State Health Policy

Advocates gather Thursday near the Oregon capitol to support legislation and policy to improve access to addiction recovery treatment. Each of the 1,206 flags represents someone who has died from drugs or alcohol./Ben Botkin/The Lund Report

Measures To Fight Addiction Are Stalled In Oregon Legislature

Advocates for better drug- and alcohol-addiction services urge lawmakers to take action on a range of bills.

Jun 11, 2021
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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Medicaid Director Lori Coyner Shifts To New Role

Coyner will shepherd the negotiation of Oregon’s next five-year Medicaid agreement with the federal government.

Jun 10, 2021

Ben Botkin/The Lund Report

Senate Approves Bill To Ease Barriers To Therapy For Prostate Cancer

The bill eliminates some insurance barriers to proton beam therapy therapy, which is used to treat prostate cancer patients.

Jun 9, 2021
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COURTESY OHSU

Legislature Passes Bill Making Noose Display Crime Of Intimidation

The bill, backed by Oregon Health & Science University, follows noose incidents at OHSU.

Jun 9, 2021
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Rural Clackamas County in Oregon. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Medicaid Members Have Among Lowest Vaccination Rates

In many Oregon counties, fewer than a quarter of eligible Medicaid members have gotten even a single shot of COVID-19 vaccine.

Jun 7, 2021
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Rural Clackamas County in Oregon. | SHUTTERSTOCK

CCOs Face Major Challenge Increasing Vaccination Rates

In Umpqua County, for example, only 17% of Oregon Health Plan members are fully vaccinated -- just below the rate in Eastern Oregon.

Jun 7, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

New Oregon 5-Year Medicaid Plan Would Expand Membership, Increase Innovation

Oregon Health Authority tentatively wants the taxpayer-funded insurance plan to help with housing, other needs, in addition to medical care.

Jun 2, 2021
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PFC Juan Carlos Rojas administers COVID-19 vaccine to licensed massage therapist with Serenity Hospice Jason Mayberry at the state fairgrounds in Salem. | ABIGAIL DOLLINS/SALEM STATESMAN JOURNAL

CCOs, Providers Push Back On State COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Plan

The Oregon Health Authority is rewriting its plan to radically increase vaccination of Medicaid members, after coordinated care organizations say the goal is unattainable

May 28, 2021
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