State Health Policy

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Leaders Seek More Flexibility On Medicaid Spending

The state wants its next five-year Medicaid plan, that has to be approved by federal authorities, to allow for spending on housing, for example.

Mar 5, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Considers Using Medicaid Money On Housing, Other Non-Medical Work

Oregon officials are drafting the state's next five-year Medicaid plan for review and approval by federal authorities who control the purse strings.

Mar 5, 2021
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the capitol building behind pink blossoms

Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | ROBERT AUGHENBAUGH

Lawmakers Take Up Affordable Health Care Proposal - Again

If the proposal to enshrine affordable health care in the state constitution passes the Legislature, it will be put before voters in November 2022.

Feb 24, 2021
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people in surgical scrubs in hospital hallway

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Sets Minimum Charity Care Levels For Hospitals

Other states have set minimums for hospital groups but Oregon is the first to set levels for individual hospitals, which have profited from the expansion of Medicaid.

Feb 17, 2021
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Lawmakers Back Telehealth Pay Parity

House Bill 2508 would allow providers to continue to get telehealth reimbursed at the same rates as office visits while banning barriers to virtual or telephonic consultations.

Feb 8, 2021
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Oregon Bill Would Protect Legal Immigrants Seeking Health Care

Lawmakers want to let immigrants apply for financial help from a hospital rather than have to apply for the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program.

Feb 2, 2021
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Gov. Kate Brown displaying a mask at a May 7, 2020 news conference. | SCREENGRAB VIA YOUTUBE/OREGONIAN/OREGONLIVE

Governor’s Commission Urges Brown To Reverse Priorities For Vaccine Plan

The governor’s Commission on Senior Services became the latest group to make an appeal, saying, “We implore you to reverse your latest decision immediately.”

Jan 25, 2021
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Gov. Kate Brown Mounts Defense Over Decision To Vaccinate Teachers Before Seniors

Governor sticks with COVID-19 vaccination schedule despite critics, including the group representing Oregon hospitals.

Jan 22, 2021
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Gov. Kate Brown. | JAIME VALDEZ/PORTLAND TRIBUNE

Gov. Kate Brown Commits To Affordable Health Care In Annual Speech

The governor urged Oregon to prepare for a long haul with the pandemic and said she would back a proposal to cap the rise in health care costs statewide at 3.4%.

Jan 21, 2021