State Health Policy

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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

State Dental Director Kaz Rafia Resigns

Well-regarded reformer is leaving for a job out of state after a year overseeing dental care quality and access for the Oregon Health Plan.

Jun 14, 2022
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The Oregon State Hospital campus in Junction City. | CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Proposed Safety Fixes To Oregon State Hospital Facility Were ‘Unacceptable,’ Feds Say

State officials have proposed beefed-up improvements to patient care in Junction City and await a response from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Jun 13, 2022
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Is Oregon Ready For Universal Health Care?

Virtual hearings starting June 11 will gauge public sentiment on a public insurance system for all Oregonians that imposes new taxes but eliminates premiums, co-pays and other costs.

Jun 9, 2022
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Trillium's offices in Eugene. | CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

State Drops Its Non-Compliance Finding For Trillium’s Portland-Area Health Care

The Oregon Health Authority had required the insurer to expand its Oregon Health Plan provider network and improve services in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.

Jun 7, 2022
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Expert Recommends State Ease Oregon State Hospital Bottlenecks

The neutral evaluator’s recommendations are part of an interim settlement the state hospital reached with Disability Rights Oregon.

Jun 6, 2022
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THE MEASURE 110 OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY COUNCIL CELEBRATES AFTER VOTING TO APPROVE THE FIRST NETWORK CONTRACT ON MAY 18, 2022./ZOOM SCREENSHOT/THE LUND REPORT

Measure 110 Funds For Addiction Services Roll Out Belatedly As Auditors Spotlight Problems

State auditors issued a “risk” letter flagging issues even as the drug decriminalization act’s oversight council finished approving grant applications.

Jun 2, 2022

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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Wanted: New Employees At Oregon State Hospital 

Even as one out of five existing staff posts lie vacant, Oregon State Hospital officials are pushing to recruit staff to fill new jobs.

Jun 2, 2022
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THE LEGISLATURE’S JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES ON JUNE 1, 2022 HEARD A REQUEST FROM THE OREGON STATE BOARD OF NURSING TO HIRE MORE STAFF. THE BOARD FACES AN INCREASE IN LICENSING APPLICATIONS FROM NURSES AS THE EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATIONS FOR OUT-OF-STATE NURSES IS SET TO EXPIRE ON JULY 1./SCREENSHOT BY BEN BOTKIN

Surge In Oregon Nurse Applications Has State Board Seeking Help

Out-of-state nurses now need a state license as Oregon's emergency loophole for them expires, sparking a flood of applications.

Jun 2, 2022
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The federal health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov on May 31, 2022. | THE LUND REPORT/EMILY GREEN

Oregon Inches Closer To Creating Its Own Health Insurance Marketplace

Despite the 2014 Cover Oregon debacle, health care leaders say it makes sense for the state to have its own platform — this time purchased off the shelf.

May 31, 2022
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An employee of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services helps a consumer pick a health care plan on the federal online health insurance marketplace. | DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES

Health Insurers' Hoped-For Hikes Highlight Tensions With State Law

The rates requested are nearly double the 3.4% annual cost growth cap that state law envisions for insurers and hospitals.

May 26, 2022
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