State Health Policy

SHUTTERSTOCK

Pre-pandemic health care spending exceeded Oregon’s goal, says report

As officials and providers prepare for health spending caps, a new report shows what’s driving the cost increases that are hitting households hard

May 4
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The Capitol Building in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Lawmakers again try softening Oregon’s health care cost controls

Unions and hospitals agree labor costs should not count toward the state spending growth cap, but critics are concerned about the new bill

May 2
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SHUTTERSTOCK

New OHSU tool would track behavioral health beds

The system will share data on patients and bed availability, making it easier to find needed placements

May 2
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MARCELO IKEDA TCHELÃO/PIXABAY

Task force bill links wine, beer revenue to behavioral health spending

Bill seeks to spark conversation on alcohol’s toll on Oregon – and a possible tax hike

Apr 27
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SHUTTERSTOCK

House passes bill to boost Oregon hospitals’ charity care

Reports of tax-exempt hospitals hounding poor patients for payment prompted lawmakers to consider toughening Oregon’s charity care requirements

Apr 25
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Yadira Martinez of Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Institute is one of the first dental therapists approved to treat cavities in Oregon. Lawmakers approved the profession in 2021 to save money and combat inequities, but pilot programs set up for training are slated to go away in less than two years. | COURTESY VIRGINIA GARCIA

They were supposed to fix dental shortages, but Oregon has only a handful

Two years ago, state lawmakers approved a new profession to combat inequities and save money. But a narrow licensing path has limited the number of these dental therapists.

Apr 25
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The proposed site of Heritage Square, which would have included supportive housing, in downtown Astoria. The city council voted down the project over its cost and concerns from a vocal group of critics. | CITY OF ASTORIA

Stalled bill would clear way for more residential mental health treatment

Oregon lawmakers say they want more residential treatment facilities, but a bill intended to make it easier to build them faces uncertainty

Apr 25
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State Reps. Cyrus Javadi, R-Tillamook (left), and Hai Pham, D-Hillsboro (right), speak to the Senate Health Care Committee on April 20, 2023 in support of House Bill 3008. The bill would restrict insurance practices the lawmakers say are catching dentists off guard with additional costs. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill targets insurer practices that dentists say cost them money

Bipartisan legislation would require dentists to agree before being paid with credit cards or having their services leased out

Apr 20
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Oregon Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon lawmakers, advocates want abortion, gender-affirming care protected in constitution

Backers of the amendment, expected to go to voters in 2024, say Oregonians want additional safeguards for fundamental rights

Apr 19

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