CareOregon’s Eric Hunter Reflects on Growth, Challenges and Community Commitment

Since becoming president and CEO of CareOregon in 2016, Eric Hunter has led the nonprofit through a period of rapid growth, diversification and deeper engagement with Oregon’s most vulnerable communities.

In a recent conversation with Managed Healthcare Executive, Hunter shared reflections on his tenure, the challenges of expanding impact through partnerships and what he believes sets CareOregon apart from typical insurance organizations.

In early 2024, a long-anticipated merger between CareOregon and SCAN Health Plan fell through, ending a years-long effort to form a new nonprofit organization with a shared mission.

Despite the setback, Hunter said he remains convinced it was a missed opportunity, not for the organizations, but for the people of Oregon.

“The only regret I have on that engagement is that we didn’t make the case well enough to the people of Oregon and to the powers that be of the value add to Oregonians and to the Oregon health programs,” Hunter said.

He explained that joining with SCAN could have brought real, tangible benefits: enhanced care coordination, stronger purchasing power with pharmacy vendors, expanded technology initiatives and better management of Medicare Advantage plans—an area where SCAN has a higher rating.

“They’re a four and a half star Medicare plan. We’re a three and a half star Medicare plan. That one star is critical—benefits that aren’t getting to beneficiaries because of that,” Hunter said.

However, CareOregon has continued to explore meaningful collaborations, but with caution, Hunter added.

The organization sees itself as a steward of public good—something such as a “public utility,” so any future partnership aligns closely with its values and mission.

“If there are partners out there that will help us enhance that work, those kind of things are always things we’re looking at,” he said. “But we’re going to be very deliberate moving forward, and like the SCAN deal, any partnership would have to be rooted in mission.”

As Hunter reflected on his nearly decade-long leadership, he acknowledged that CareOregon’s unique positioning—independent from large hospital systems and without shareholders—has been both a strength and, at times, a missed opportunity.

One of his only regrets is not being more proactive in building formal coalitions with healthcare providers.

“We’ve done our own thing, primarily,” he said, noting that CareOregon often plays the role of “Switzerland” in the state’s healthcare landscape.

Closer collaborations, short of mergers, might have strengthened both sides in meeting community needs.

Either way, Hunter is deeply proud of CareOregon’s growth and community impact.

Since he joined, the organization has tripled in membership and revenue and expanded into new lines of service, including palliative care and hospice, he said.

But what stands out most is how CareOregon invests in communities beyond traditional healthcare.

“We don’t even refer to ourselves as an insurance company. We’re a community benefit organization,” Hunter said. “We need to make enough money to keep the doors open and to do good in our communities.”

For example, CareOregon purchased and converted a former Red Lion Hotel in Seaside into transitional housing for members and temporary housing for caregivers. They’ve supported early education and nutrition programs in Rockwood and even helped revive Portland’s downtown through cultural sponsorships like the Starlight Parade.

These efforts reflect a belief that healthy communities produce healthier people and that addressing social needs is essential to improving healthcare outcomes.

As CareOregon celebrates its 30th anniversary, Hunter said he remains committed to building on that legacy while keeping the mission front and center.

“Hopefully it’s as meaningful if we continue to grow like this,” he said. “We’ll have everybody on Medicaid in Oregon—and I’m okay with that. But I also hope that the world gets to be so we don’t need so many people on Medicaid and they’re happy and healthy.”