State Health Policy

A white board in a hallway inside the Oregon State Hospital in November 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Judge overseeing state hospital case demands answers as contempt order looms Premium

The state's failure to provide adequate mental health treatment is having ripple effects around the state and causing civil rights violations. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson wants to know specifically what is being done to fix things.

Jan 23

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The growing inequality in life expectancy among Americans

To deliver on pledges from the new Trump administration to make America healthy again, policymakers will need to fix problems undermining life expectancy across all populations

Jan 23

OREGON MEDICAL GROUP IS A MAJOR PROVIDER IN LANE COUNTY,/CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Three health care companies increased costs excessively, Oregon warns

Notices to Oregon Medical Group, Moda Health and UnitedHealthcare amount to “first strike,” one official said. The new program is preparing to leverage its authority in an effort to rein in inflation affecting patients and consumers and other members of the public.

Jan 22
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Oregon House legislative leaders speak to the press during a Jan. 16, 2025 media availability about the upcoming legislative session. From left, House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, House Speaker Julie Fahey and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Provider taxes, staffing shortages and mental health will be top priorities for lawmakers in 2025

Looming over the session are a possible contempt order over the Oregon State Hospital as well as Trump administration changes

Jan 21
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Morgan Cowling (right), the outgoing executive director of the Universal Health Plan Governance Board, reads from a document during the panel's first meeting in April 2024. Jennifer Donovan (left), a senior policy advisor, will serve as interim executive director after Cowling resigned. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Top staffer to Oregon's universal health care board resigns

Nine months after its launch the new state board tasked with crafting a plan for universal health care in Oregon needs to replace its top staffer

Jan 16
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State Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, speaks during a legislative hearing in December 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon’s health care staffing shortages could get relief under new bills

Two influential Democrats have joined a Republican lawmaker on efforts to make it easier for out-of-state professionals to ease staffing problems and help patient access

Jan 16
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Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman speaks about his efforts to curb what critics call the "corporatization of medicine" at the Oregon Health Forum on Oct. 16, 2024, in Portland. To his left is Brian Kelly, CEO of Women’s Healthcare Associates. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bowman reboots Oregon push to limit corporate control of medicine

The revived bill addresses criticism from providers, multinational corporations and other interests that helped sink it last year

Jan 14
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A mix of colorful pills spread out on a counter.

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As pharmacies keep closing, Oregon lawmakers will try again to change how they’re paid

Bill seeks stronger curbs on the pharmaceutical benefit companies accused of strong-arm business practices

Jan 9
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A view of OHSU's South Waterfront campus in September 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

OHSU's takeover of Legacy Health would violate federal market standards, advocates say

Nationally known voices contend the proposed hospital merger would far exceed market consolidation limits set by the federal government that are intended to preserve competition and keep costs down. The university argues that it is exempt from those federal limits, adding that the deal's benefits to the public outweigh any downsides.

Jan 7
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