State Health Policy

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State health officials are racing to win federal approval of Oregon Health Plan changes before Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, shown at the Oregon Convention Center vaccination site, leaves office. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Gov. Brown Mandates Masks In State Buildings

State government employees and visitors inside state agencies must mask up when indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Jul 30, 2021

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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon Health Authority Hires New Dental Director 

Dr. Kaz Rafia is the second dental director at the agency, replacing Bruce Austin.

Jul 7, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Will Start Purging 200,000 From Medicaid Rolls Next Summer

A temporary federal law that is allowing people to stay on Medicaid even if their income exceeds traditional limits will expire.

Jul 6, 2021
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PATRICK ALLEN, DIRECTOR OF THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY, GIVES LAWMAKERS AN UPDATE ON THE CORONAVIRUS.

Legislature Approves Spate Of Other Health Care Bills 

The measures passed include creating a new dental profession and giving coordinated care organizations more flexibility.

Jun 29, 2021
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The Oregon State Capitol building in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Lawmakers Pump Money And Oversight Into Health Care

Residents will have to wait to see whether the Oregon Legislature’s increased spending and regulation of the health care industry will yield results.

Jun 29, 2021
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The Legislature is in session. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Lawmakers Pass Bill To Put Undocumented Residents On Medicaid

The Oregon House passes House Bill 3352, to make people eligible for Medicaid regardless of their immigration status.

Jun 25, 2021
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OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Gov. Kate Brown Will Reopen Oregon By June 30 Regardless of Goal

Vaccinations have slowed to a snail’s pace, creating uncertainty about when the state will reach 70% vaccination for adults.

Jun 25, 2021

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KEITH COOPER/CC BY 2.0

Oregon Health Authority Budget Slated To Grow By $3 Billion 

Lawmakers have dedicated extra money to cover a demand for Medicaid and there's new money for behavioral health care, an area that's been neglected for years.

Jun 24, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Authority Finalizes COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives For CCOs

The plan will allocate about $25 million to reward coordinated care organizations that boost the vaccine rates of their members.

Jun 18, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Authority, Medicaid Insurers Haggle Over Vaccination Incentive Money

Facing pressure from coordinated care organizations, the health authority reduces its COVID-19 vaccination-rate goals for Medicaid members.

Jun 14, 2021
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