Jake Thomas

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon hospitals report less spending on ‘community benefit’ programs

Hospitals spent less on charity care and other programs while still meeting state minimums, but critics say it's not enough

Feb 25
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SALEM HEALTH HOSPITAL IN SALEM./BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Salem Health will stop accepting Regence insurance over contract impasse

Both sides said the other was to blame for unreasonable contract demands that could disrupt care for up to 30,000 people

Feb 20
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Hospitals want reimbursement for boarding psychiatric patients

Local health authorities say the move would cost them more and further confuse the question of who’s responsible for patients committed by a judge

Feb 20
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A reporter receives the five-needle protocol, an acupuncture method that has seen renewed interest for purportedly reducing cravings and helping people in recovery. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon lawmakers look to acupuncture to ease addiction crisis

Research into the “five-needle protocol” is inconclusive, but backers say it provides a low-cost way to help people struggling with addiction, especially in marginalized communities.

Feb 18
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SHUTTERSTOCK

‘Noncompetes’ on chopping block as providers are kept from caring for Oregonians

Oregon lawmakers are considering two bills aimed at employer agreements that keep medical professionals from working elsewhere

Feb 13
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A view of the Oregon State Capitol in February 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Health care for 1 in 3 Oregonians in question as GOP mulls cuts in D.C.

Care for 1.4 million Oregonians could face cuts or changes such as work requirements even as state lawmakers push to renew a key source of. health care funding that's eyed for cuts — the state’s provider tax.

Feb 13
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Nurses and other health care workers picket outside of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in January, 2025. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill would force hospitals to disclose spending during strikes

After Providence nurses at eight hospitals rejected union-negotiated contract terms, the health system continues to pay an estimated $25 million a week on replacement workers

Feb 11
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A view of OHSU's South Waterfront campus from its main campus on Marquam Hill. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

With lawsuits tying up Trump’s gender care order, Oregon hospitals still provide services — so far

As politics and legal battles swirl, hospital systems and other providers face conflicting legal and funding threats from state, federal officials

Feb 11
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Parents of disabled children packed a legislative hearing on Feb. 4, 2025 in support of a bill that would allow more to be paid for caring for their kids. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Parents of high-needs children push Oregon to streamline payments for providing care

Oregon pays parents to care for adult children with major medical or behavioral issues, but does not when the children are minors. DHS officials say following the lead of other states could be expensive.

Feb 6
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Oregon faces backlash over push to block Medicaid payments to unaffiliated, uncertified behavioral health providers

Providers and groups say a new rule will worsen inequities and the state’s behavioral health crisis

Feb 4
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