OHA

After More Than Year-Long Search, Medicaid Director Returns

Oregon has chosen a familiar face to lead the state's Medicaid program as it heads towards the next phase, with a focus on mental health, value-based payments that reward outcomes instead of performing procedures and social determinants of health like housing.

Oregon’s former Medicaid director Lori Coyner will return to the role on Jan. 28, filling the vacancy she left in 2017.

By: 
Jessica Floum

Audit: Oregon’s Program That Monitors Controlled Drugs Is Ineffective, Underused

An analysis by the Secretary of State’s Office found that a program that collects prescription information has loopholes that prevent it being used to stem the opioid epidemic.

The Oregon Health Authority adopted a prescription monitoring program in 2011 to help prevent the abuse of controlled substances like opioids and help ensure that prescription medicines are used safely. 

By: 
Jessica Floum
The Yamhill County Medicaid insurer will switch to another third party administrator in January in a move that the CEO says will save hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A multimillion-dollar administrative deal between two Oregon Medicaid insurers is ending.

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Oregon Aims to Eliminate Hepatitis C Infections

The state has the highest mortality rate in the country but a move by the Oregon Health Authority to expand expensive treatment could wipe out the virus, if medical modeling is correct.

The Oregon Health Authority is moving to expand treatment for hepatitis C to everyone on the Oregon Health Plan who’s infected.

By: 
Lynne Terry
The Oregon Health Authority asked Gov. Kate Brown to hike taxes on beer and wine but she balked, saying it would be too hard a lift. But the issue is likely to come up again in the legislative session next year.

In their recent budget pitch, experts at the Oregon Health Authority were clear in declaring “excessive alcohol use” a scourge that fuels domestic violence and leads to birth defects, car wrecks, liver disease and cancer, killing some 2,000 people a year in Oregon.  

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Report: Climate Change To Burden Oregon Health Systems

Oregon is likely to see more heat-related deaths, and extremes in weather could create more chronic health issues and lead to more stress, the report says.

Climate change is already having a tangible impact on the Pacific Northwest, and Oregon’s health care and social systems will likely bear a significant burden.

By: 
Ericka Cruz Guevarra

State Ethics Officials Fine Former Chief of Benefit Board $20,000

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission fined James Raussen the maximum amount for numerous violations, including a night in Las Vegas, wine tasting, a Portland Trail Blazer playoff game and lavish meals.

Oregon ethics officials have fined the former director of a state agency in charge of insurance benefits for educators $20,000 for numerous violations.

By: 
Lynne Terry

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