Ben Botkin

Long-Term Care Facilities Fail To Meet COVID-19 Vaccination Target

A state report says the facilities had a staff vaccination rate of 62% in May and that 84% of long-term care residents were inoculated.

Jun 22, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Authority Finalizes COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives For CCOs

The plan will allocate about $25 million to reward coordinated care organizations that boost the vaccine rates of their members.

Jun 18, 2021
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The Oregon Legislature. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Bill Would Give Many Health Care Workers, Others One-Time Payments

The proposal would give up to $2,000 to essential workers, including health care employees, but would phase out the money for higher-paid staff.

Jun 18, 2021
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A health care worker unpacks the Pfizer vaccine at Oregon Health & Science University. | OHSU

In Latest Risk Level Shuffle: Polk County Nears 65% Vaccination Rate

Jackson County will move down to moderate risk, with Polk County set to move to lower risk in the governor’s COVID-19 framework.

Jun 15, 2021

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Authority, Medicaid Insurers Haggle Over Vaccination Incentive Money

Facing pressure from coordinated care organizations, the health authority reduces its COVID-19 vaccination-rate goals for Medicaid members.

Jun 14, 2021
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Clackamas Is Next County To Enter Lower Risk Category

State officials still expect Oregon to reach a 70% vaccination rate for adults by the end of June.

Jun 11, 2021

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Advocates gather Thursday near the Oregon capitol to support legislation and policy to improve access to addiction recovery treatment. Each of the 1,206 flags represents someone who has died from drugs or alcohol./Ben Botkin/The Lund Report

Measures To Fight Addiction Are Stalled In Oregon Legislature

Advocates for better drug- and alcohol-addiction services urge lawmakers to take action on a range of bills.

Jun 11, 2021
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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Medicaid Director Lori Coyner Shifts To New Role

Coyner will shepherd the negotiation of Oregon’s next five-year Medicaid agreement with the federal government.

Jun 10, 2021

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Ben Botkin/The Lund Report

Senate Approves Bill To Ease Barriers To Therapy For Prostate Cancer

The bill eliminates some insurance barriers to proton beam therapy therapy, which is used to treat prostate cancer patients.

Jun 9, 2021
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COURTESY OHSU

Legislature Passes Bill Making Noose Display Crime Of Intimidation

The bill, backed by Oregon Health & Science University, follows noose incidents at OHSU.

Jun 9, 2021
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