State Health Policy

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Oregon faces backlash over push to block Medicaid payments to unaffiliated, uncertified behavioral health providers

Providers and groups say a new rule will worsen inequities and the state’s behavioral health crisis

Feb 4
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A view of the Oregon State Capitol in November 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill would shield Oregonians’ credit scores from medical debt

Supporters say opaque health care billing practices can destroy lives when mixed with credit bureaus, the ‘gatekeeper’ of our economy

Jan 30
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Marketing material for an AI program that performs some functions of nurses. | SCREENSHOT

As AI advances, Oregon lawmakers seek to specify only humans can be nurses

A narrow bill would be one of the first attempts in Oregon to regulate the rapidly changing technology that some worry could supplant medical professionals

Jan 30
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Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles is tentatively being absorbed by California-based Adventist Health. | PHOTO BY LARVICK MEDIA/COURTESY OF MCMC

Unions, care groups want appeals court to preserve Oregon health care merger oversight

As consolidation continues, the program has brought large health care transactions into focus. But a challenge over its constitutionality continues

Jan 28
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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

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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

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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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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