January 30, 2026 2:50 a.m.

Douglas C.A.R.E.S Board President David McGinnis says the organization wishes to clarify recent statements regarding Medicaid reimbursement challenges and to correct the public record concerning Umpqua Health.

A CARES. release said following a detailed internal review and direct discussions with UHA leadership, CARES confirms that UHA was not the cause of CARES recent reimbursement shortfalls. McGinnis said the issues identified were primarily related to internal administrative, credentialing, and billing processes, not payment delays or denials attributable to UHA.

The release said UHA staff have been responsive and supportive throughout this review. Many denied or unpaid claims were tied to technical issues such as eligibility status, credentialing requirements, diagnosis coding, authorization requirements, or duplicate submission – matters that fall within provider-side administrative responsibility.

McGinnis said CARES acknowledges that earlier public statements suggesting UHA owed CARES outstanding funds were inaccurate, and the organization regrets any confusion or reputational harm those statements may have caused.

McGinnis said UHA has been a longstanding partner in serving vulnerable children and families in Douglas County, and CARES appreciates UHA’s continued commitment to the collaboration and problem-solving during this period.

The release said CARES is actively implementing corrective measures to strengthen internal billing, compliance and operational systems to ensure accuracy, sustainability, and accountability moving forward. Their focus remains on restoring and maintaining essential child advocacy services for the community.

McGinnis said the organization values transparency, partnership and public trust, and believes it is important to clearly state when responsibility lies with CARES’ own systems rather than with its community sponsors.

McGinnis said he is also the organization’s interim executive director, while Executive Director Sarah Wickersham is on medical leave. CARES paused its operations effective January 1st.

Tag: McGinnis told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that CARES intension is to restore core services as soon as it is responsible to do so. He said the organization is actively working toward that goal and will provide updates as appropriate.

Douglas C.A.R.E.S Board President David McGinnis says the organization wishes to clarify recent statements regarding Medicaid reimbursement challenges and to correct the public record concerning Umpqua Health.

Drew Winkelmaier has more: “Drew5” Q: News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN

A CARES. release said following a detailed internal review and direct discussions with UHA leadership, CARES confirms that UHA was not the cause of CARES recent reimbursement shortfalls. McGinnis said the issues identified were primarily related to internal administrative, credentialing, and billing processes, not payment delays or denials attributable to UHA.

The release said UHA staff have been responsive and supportive throughout this review. Many denied or unpaid claims were tied to technical issues such as eligibility status, credentialing requirements, diagnosis coding, authorization requirements, or duplicate submission – matters that fall within provider-side administrative responsibility.

McGinnis said CARES acknowledges that earlier public statements suggesting UHA owed CARES outstanding funds were inaccurate, and the organization regrets any confusion or reputational harm those statements may have caused.

McGinnis said UHA has been a longstanding partner in serving vulnerable children and families in Douglas County, and CARES appreciates UHA’s continued commitment to the collaboration and problem-solving during this period.

The release said CARES is actively implementing corrective measures to strengthen internal billing, compliance and operational systems to ensure accuracy, sustainability, and accountability moving forward. Their focus remains on restoring and maintaining essential child advocacy services for the community.

McGinnis said the organization values transparency, partnership and public trust, and believes it is important to clearly state when responsibility lies with CARES’ own systems rather than with its community sponsors.

McGinnis said he is also the organization’s interim executive director, while Executive Director Sarah Wickersham is on medical leave. CARES paused its operations effective January 1st.

McGinnis told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that CARES intension is to restore core services as soon as it is responsible to do so. He said the organization is actively working toward that goal and will provide updates as appropriate.