State Health Policy

Image

This Oregon Medical Group clinic in Eugene is one of several primary care businesses bought in Oregon by UnitedHealth's Optum Health Division.

Optum will let doctors who quit Oregon Medical Group treat local patients, lawmakers say

Company’s use of non-compete agreements had sparked controversy in Oregon amid a larger debate

May 10, 2024
Premium

Image

Flanked by former Oregon Health Authority Director Bruce Goldberg and former Gov. John Kitzhaber, Rep. Ben Bowman on Wednesday addressed members of the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bowman launches reboot of bill to curb corporate medicine

High profile bill died unexpectedly, but the Tigard lawmaker and newly chosen House leader hopes to succeed with a new attempt next year

May 9, 2024
Premium

Image

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
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Hospitals' challenge to Oregon merger reviews nears key ruling

Judge will decide whether the Hospital Association of Oregon has the legal standing it needs to knock out the high-profile state program

May 2, 2024
Premium

Image

A view of the Oregon State Hospital spire from the courtyard on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS

Oregon State Hospital distributes condoms but fails to keep patients safe, feds say

Managers said condoms were distributed to patients for ‘self-care,’ but failed to appropriately protect against sexual assaults and attack, inspectors found

May 2, 2024
Premium

Image

Ralph Magrish, executive director of the Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board, said the pharmaceutical industry is spreading misinformation about proposed price caps at the board's April 17, 2024 meeting. | SCREENSHOT

Drugmakers’ price-cap claims are ‘Chicken Little,’ state official says

The pharmaceutical industry and patient groups are opposing a price cap proposal headed for lawmakers, prompting a prominent state staffer to speak out

Apr 30, 2024

Image

Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon, on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon State Hospital hit with new patient safety warning by federal regulators

State hospital staff kept emergency response equipment in different rooms, sparking concern. State officials say they’re fixing it

Apr 29, 2024
Premium

Image

Emily Harris (left) moderates an Oregon Health Forum panel on “Oregon’s health crossroads." The panel included Gov. John Kitzhaber, former Oregon Health Authority leader Bruce Goldberg, new Oregon Health Authority Director Sejal Hathi, LifeWorks NW CEO Mary Monnat and state Rep. Rob Nosse. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon health care reforms need renewed focus, panel says

Architects of reforms to the Oregon Health Plan championed their vision, while the state’s new health chief offered her ideas on how to improve care for low-income Oregonians

Apr 25, 2024
Premium

Image

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

Optum legal tactics endanger Oregonians, lawmakers say

Amid a primary care shortage, a Eugene lawmaker and others want the health care giant to stop enforcing contracts that prevent doctors from providing care in the area after they quit

Apr 25, 2024

Image

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
Premium