Oregon Ends Medicaid Payments to Uplifting Journey After Lawmaker's Demand

State Rep. Ed Diehl's letter prompted investigation that uncovered alleged fraud, gang ties, and violent crimes linked to the provider.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:35pm

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The Oregon Health Authority recently terminated Medicaid payments to Uplifting Journey LLC, a substance abuse treatment provider, after State Rep. Ed Diehl demanded an investigation based on reporting by the Oregon Roundup Foundation. The reporting revealed that Uplifting Journey had received $2.3 million in Medicaid payments over a year while allegedly housing two men accused of kidnapping, torturing, and attempting to murder a woman in Washington state. Prosecutors say the men are members of a Venezuelan gang and in the U.S. illegally.

Why it matters

This case has raised serious concerns about Medicaid fraud and oversight in Oregon, particularly regarding the state's most vulnerable citizens who rely on the program for care. It has also shaken public confidence and highlighted the need for stronger protections and independent monitoring of Medicaid providers.

The details

Records show the Oregon Health Authority notified Uplifting Journey of the Medicaid termination on September 24, 2025, the day after Rep. Diehl demanded an investigation based on the Oregon Roundup Foundation's reporting. The reporting disclosed that between April 2024 and March 2025, OHA had directly reimbursed Uplifting Journey $2.3 million for substance abuse counseling while the company allegedly housed two men accused of violent crimes. Prosecutors say the men are members of a Venezuelan gang and in the U.S. illegally.

  • In September 2025, the Oregon Health Authority terminated Uplifting Journey's Medicaid payments.
  • In August 2025, an Oregon Roundup Foundation visit found Uplifting Journey had closed its operations in Lake Oswego and Portland.
  • In May 2025, an OHA analyst identified Uplifting Journey and related companies as 'shell game-like entities' worthy of scrutiny.

The players

Uplifting Journey LLC

A Medicaid provider that allegedly housed two men accused of kidnapping, torturing, and attempting to murder a woman in Washington state. The company received $2.3 million in Medicaid payments over a year from the Oregon Health Authority.

State Rep. Ed Diehl

A Republican candidate for Governor who demanded the Oregon Health Authority investigate Uplifting Journey based on the Oregon Roundup Foundation's reporting.

Kevin Sanabria Ojeda

One of the two men prosecutors say lived in Uplifting Journey's Lake Oswego house and is accused of kidnapping, torturing, and attempting to murder a woman in Washington state. Prosecutors allege he is a member of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang and in the U.S. illegally.

Julius Maximo

A man going by this name who is listed as an owner of both Uplifting Journey and Life Restoration Missions, another company that had its Medicaid enrollment terminated by OHA.

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What they’re saying

“The people of Oregon - particularly our most vulnerable citizens who depend on Medicaid for care - deserve better stewardship of their tax dollars and stronger protections from fraud. This case has shaken public confidence and highlights the urgent need for independent oversight.”

— State Rep. Ed Diehl, Republican Candidate for Governor

What’s next

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce has demanded records and information from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and state agencies about the state's efforts to combat Medicaid fraud, citing Rep. Diehl's letter and the Oregon Roundup Foundation's reporting on Uplifting Journey and related companies.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust oversight and accountability measures within the Medicaid system to protect vulnerable patients and ensure taxpayer funds are not being misused or diverted to criminal enterprises. It serves as a wake-up call for states to strengthen their fraud detection and prevention efforts.