Health Equity

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This seizure on April 21, 2023 of 100,000 fentanyl pills, 3 kilograms of heroin and 1 kilogram of fentanyl in the La Grande area typifies street drugs in Oregon. | OREGON STATE POLICE

Fatal fentanyl overdoses skyrocketed in Multnomah County, report says

Oregon’s largest county details human toll from synthetic opioid and shows which communities are being affected disproportionately

May 14, 2024
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The amount paid in deductibles by patients each year is increasing and is growing faster than the amount paid in co-insurance and copays. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregonians pay more for care as employers push high-deductible plans

A state report finds that Oregonians saw deductible expenses grow 31.9% over seven years as companies increasingly offer thinner coverage that shifts costs, risks to employees

May 2, 2024
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A critical care nurse at OHSU receives a vaccine during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. | COURTESY OHSU

Oregon performs better in health equity, but disparities remain

A new national state scorecard confirms dramatic inequities, finds regional variations

Apr 23, 2024
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Tobacco companies sue to snuff out Oregon's new ‘equity assessment’

Companies are challenging a new state law in court, saying payments to account for the health effects of cigarettes would be unfair and unconstitutional

Mar 28, 2024
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Activists on Feb. 13, 2023, protested the proposed closure of Mount Hood Family Birth Center in Gresham. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

State wants Oregon hospitals to think twice before cuts

Legacy Health’s attempt to close a maternity unit last year has sparked a requirement that hospitals consider the impact to communities before reducing services

Mar 21, 2024
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon legislative session’s early end closed curtain on significant health care bills

Bills concerning treatment centers, violence against hospital staff, school health and insurance mandates perished, but other impactful bills made it through

Mar 12, 2024
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Oregon Senate leaders spoke to reporters about their priorities for a 2024 legislative session expected to focus on addressing housing and behavioral health. From left: Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, Senate President Rob Wagner and Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Legislature’s 2024 session looks packed with health care

Lawmakers will take up major health care issues in the five-week session as well as potential Measure 110 changes

Feb 6, 2024
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Oregon has huge shortage of treatment beds, consultant finds

Despite recent investments of more than $1.5 billion into Oregon’s behavioral health system, the state falls far short of what it needs to meet demand for treatment, according to a new report

Feb 1, 2024
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Oregon Medical Board should improve equity in doctor discipline, audit says

Medical board leadership agreed with recommendations to expand use of disciplinary guidelines and regular reviews to combat racism and ensure consistency

Jan 24, 2024
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CareOregon. | COURTESY OF CAREOREGON

Q&A: CEOs defend CareOregon merger plans, balk at specifics

Leaders of a California-based Medicare Advantage plan called SCAN Group and CareOregon, the Portland-based insurer that oversees government-funded care for 500,000 low-income Oregonians, said criticisms of their proposed merger don't recognize its benefits or the risks of inaction. The companies haven't disclosed long-term plans due to antitrust rules, they said — but growth is the goal.

Jan 9, 2024