Lynne Terry

Image

Gov. Tina Kotek speaks to reporters during a media availability on the rooftop of The Independence Hotel in Independence, Oregon on April 14, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

State officials defend Oregon health care fraud enforcement efforts

In a response to Congress, Gov. Tina Kotek says the state is aggressively pursuing potential fraud in the Oregon Health Plan, the publicly funded health care program for lower-income people

Mar 18
Premium

Image

PEOPLEIMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK

Some of Portland’s most vulnerable patients face long waits for primary care, study finds

New research led by Oregon Health & Science University shows that the city has a higher rate of primary care clinics that are owned by hospitals or health care systems and a higher share that won’t take patients on Medicare

Mar 12
Premium

Image

DRKONTOGIANNIIVF/PIXABAY

Legislative bill to require fertility coverage fails — again

A proposal that would have mandated coverage of the expensive treatments died in the budget-writing committee. It’s likely to be back next year

Mar 10
Premium

Image

Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Legislative session ends with wins for Planned Parenthood, immigration advocates and others

Few big-dollar proposals passed, but lawmakers made changes that will affect providers, patients and industry

Mar 9
Premium

Image

PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SOUTHWESTERN OREGON LOCATED IN EUGENE./SHUTTERSTOCK

State House passes multi-million dollar bill to fund Planned Parenthood

House Bill 4127 aims to fill the funding gap created by a congressional ban on federal funds for the organization and adds to millions approved last year

Mar 4
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon filing suit with other Democratic states against Trump administration’s vaccine rollback

The lawsuit, which will be filed in Northern California, includes a coalition of 14 states and the governor of Pennsylvania

Feb 24
Premium

Image

BONN_A/SHUTTESTOCK

Hospitals’ push to curb charity care sparks opposition

Hospitals say a 2023 charity care law went further than expected and they’re losing lots of money as a result. Advocates say the law has helped reduce medical debt for Oregonians.

Feb 24
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Bill to limit audits of behavioral health providers is advancing

Some Oregon regional care organizations serving low-income people say the legislation would conflict with federal Medicaid regulations intended to ensure accountability — but the lawmaker pushing it says it's a common-sense protection for beleaguered providers

Feb 19
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Bill to prevent cervical cancer by mandating free diagnostics sailing through Legislature

The proposal would mandate free follow-up testing, which can cost up to $1,200 out of pocket

Feb 12
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon bill that aims to ensure vaccine coverage draws mixed response

The proposal would give a top health official the authority to essentially write a statewide vaccine prescription that requires insurers pay for vaccines, but opponents say the measure could interfere with their rights

Feb 11
Premium