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Oregon lawmakers gathered to discuss the upcoming session in a virtual discussion Thursday./Zoom

Oregon Lawmakers Prepare For Session Crammed With Health Care Proposals

As the COVID-19 pandemic nears the two-year mark, state legislators say its lessons are spawning bills.

Jan 20, 2022
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Lawmakers Prepare For Short Session With Workforce Challenges, Among Others

Health care workforce needs and behavioral health incentives are on the table as lawmakers prepare for the short session.

Jan 20, 2022
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PIXABAY

Lawmakers Seek Coverage For People Kicked Off Oregon Health Plan

With Medicaid redeterminations to resume this year, low-cost ‘public option’ discussions are gaining in urgency.

Jan 18, 2022
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Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek. | LYNN HOWLETT PHOTOGRAPHY

Q&A: Speaker Tina Kotek To Leave Gavel And Legislature

Now running for governor, the longtime legislative leader introduced a bill to fight community violence with Medicaid funds as she was leaving.

Jan 18, 2022
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PIXABAY

Oregon Lawmakers Put $19 Million Toward Medicaid Dental Cuts

The funds could boost dental care access, including in rural areas and for kids, after providers warn of “grave risk.”

Dec 14, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Amid Nursing Shortage, Lawmakers, Nurses Look For Solutions

Rep. Rachel Prusak, a nurse practitioner, plans to put forward a bill in the short session in 2022 with ways to bolster the workforce of nurses.

Dec 9, 2021
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Lawmakers Eye Workforce Crisis In Health Care Industry

Industry urges lawmakers to consider more incentives, such as student loan repayment, tuition assistance and child care stipends.

Nov 17, 2021
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A bill to increase the penalties for assaulting hospital workers died on the desk of Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney, who has long championed equity in mental health services. | JONATHAN HOUSE/PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP

Oregon Funds ‘Historic’ $500M For Mental Health Services

Half a billion is OK’d, but leader says ‘we're not doing enough’ until it’s treated like other health care.

Oct 14, 2021
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Staff at the Latino Health Coalition in Southwest Portland in August 2021. | COURTNEY VAUGHN/©PMG/REPUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION FROM PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP

New Oregon Law Expands Insurance For Immigrants, Underserved Populations

Cover All People will implement a $10 million program to provide health insurance to roughly 80,000 people who had no coverage.

Sep 2, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

State Seeks Action On Homelessness

The 2021 legislative session was a landmark for housing and homelessness, with several bills passed to require emergency shelter and protect those without homes.

Jul 8, 2021