COVID-19

Coronavirus Fuels Explosive Growth In Telehealth ― And Concern About Fraud

“There are unscrupulous providers out there, and they have much greater reach with telehealth,” said Mike Cohen, an operations officer with the Health and Human Services Inspector General’s Office.

Jun 29, 2020

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SHUTTERSTOCK

After Rising Discrimination, Lawmakers Tackle Bill To Protect The Medical Rights Of People With Disabilities

Jun 25, 2020
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Telemedicine visit with Kaiser Permanente. | COURTESY OF KAISER PERMANENTE NORTHWEST

State Insurance Regulators Extend Parity For Telehealth But Critics Say That's Not Enough 

Oregon is extending telehealth regulations that eased access during the pandemic until Dec. 31. But advocates and providers want them extended six months beyond that to give lawmakers time to enact a permanent change.

Jun 23, 2020
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Mask Mandates Spread, But Thorny Problems Remain With No Unified Strategy

Starting Wednesday, residents in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Hood River, Marion, Polk and Lincoln counties will have to wear masks in indoor commercial settings, in line with the fast-swelling ranks of cities, counties and states around the country.

Jun 22, 2020
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | RENAUDE HATSEDAKIS

Police, COVID And The Kitchen Sink: What To Expect From Oregon's Expansive Special Session

When lawmakers convene, they could take up dozens of bills on a wide range of topics. Social distancing requirements will likely slow the process as lawmakers worry the session will turn into an unwieldy beast.

Jun 22, 2020

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Patrick Allen. | COPYRIGHTED IMAGE REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE

Oregon Health Authority ‘Made An Error’ In Reopening Data

The Oregon Health Authority undereported Multnomah County's COVID-19 hospitalization numbers to Gov. Kate Brown, but the plan to reopen the county will move forward regardless.

Jun 18, 2020

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MILAD B. FAKURIAN ON UNSPLASH

Visitations In Oregon Prisons Could Be Delayed Further

Jun 18, 2020

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An OHSU nurse conducts testing in Hillsboro. | OHSU

Trump’s Take On COVID Testing Misses Public Health Realities

The president is arguing that the United States is finding more cases of COVID-19 because we are testing more.

Jun 18, 2020

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Gov. Kate Brown. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Governor Reopens Multnomah County But Requires Masks For 7 Counties

Starting next Wednesday, residents will be required to wear masks in indoor public places in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Hood River, Marion, Polk and Lincoln counties.

Jun 17, 2020

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Medicaid Ranks In Oregon Swell To Nearly 1.2 Million

Enrollment has grown by 70,000 in the taxpayer-funded insurance for low-income residents since March 8 when the state declared a state of emergency over the pandemic.

Jun 16, 2020
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