Momentum Builds, But More Work Ahead in Salem: 2025 Legislative Recap

The Oregon Legislature wrapped up its 2025 session with important conversations about kidney care, access to healthcare, and support for patients living with chronic conditions. While none of Northwest Kidney Council’s priority bills crossed the finish line this year, legislators demonstrated growing interest in policies that would improve outcomes for kidney patients and the broader chronic disease community.

Progress on Awareness and Momentum

Several bills we supported gained attention this session, building valuable momentum for 2026. These include:

• SB 1181, which sought to expand access to Medigap insurance for Oregonians, a critical issue for patients managing kidney disease.

• HB 2457, which would have established a Rare Disease Advisory Council, helping elevate the voices of those living with rare and chronic conditions.

• HB 2955, which aimed to ensure coverage for continuous glucose monitoring, essential for patients managing both diabetes and kidney disease.

• HB 3517, which would have provided coverage for obesity treatment, an important comorbidity for many with kidney disease.

  
  

Though these bills stalled, they sparked important conversations with lawmakers that will carry into future sessions.

Supporting the Health Care Workforce

Oregon legislators considered policies to address a declining healthcare workforce, an issue impacting dialysis providers and patients statewide. We supported:

• SB 966, which would have allowed Oregon to join the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact, making it easier to hire qualified nurses across state lines.

• HB 2554, which aimed to enact a Social Worker Licensure Compact, helping to recruit qualified social workers to serve patients managing chronic conditions.

• HB 3942, which would have expedited licensure processes for health care facilities is on the Governor's desk awaiting a signature.

  
  

These are commonsense policies to reduce barriers in the health care workforce and NWKC expect them to return in 2026.

Prioritizing Health Equity and Prevention

A few broader health and equity proposals we supported also fell short, including:

• HB 3435, which would have provided universal free breakfast and lunch for Oregon students - an investment in health equity and prevention.

• HB 3517, addressing obesity treatment coverage.

  
  

These policies reflect a growing understanding within the Legislature of the link between nutrition, chronic disease, and long-term health outcomes.

Looking Ahead

While no kidney-related legislation passed in Oregon this year, there is clear momentum building. Thanks to our combined advocacy efforts, Lawmakers are increasingly aware of the barriers kidney patients face whether it’s the inability to access Medigap insurance or the inability to access insurance coverage for obesity treatment and continuous glucose monitoring.

Many of the bills that stalled in 2025 will return in 2026 and Northwest Kidney Council will be back, alongside patients and providers, advocating for solutions. Whether it’s writing a letter, testifying, or sharing your story, your voice matters. Together, we can keep moving the needle forward for kidney patients in Oregon.