July 5, 2012 -- For the second consecutive year, Oregon’s seven domestic health insurers saw a decrease in their overall net income, but still found themselves on pace to achieve financial prosperity in 2012.
July 3, 2012 -- Oregon has received a nearly $128,000 federal grant to help the referral service 211info expand its counseling to people seeking health care resources. 211info is a nonprofit organization that provides guidance and information about Oregon health and social support services.
The Oregon Insurance Division received the consumer assistance grant as part of federal health care reform. It will use the funds to transfer its Oregon Health Connect program to 211info over the next several months.
April 25, 2012 – Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon's decision to slash mental health benefits and impose a much higher deductible for medical care and prescription coverage has consumer advocates upset. About 30,000 Oregonians who have individual policies will feel the impact starting October 1.
January 25, 2012 -- Last fall, a charity that sponsored a golf contest bought insurance to cover the $10,000 prize in case a golfer beat the odds at Heron Lakes Golf Course in Portland.
January 12, 2012 -- Primary care practices can now charge patients a set fee that is paid regularly, such as monthly, in return for specific health care services. However, doctor offices using this approach must register with the state.
November 23, 2011 -- Oregon voted “no” Tuesday on a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) resolution that recommends changes to how agent commissions are considered in the medical loss ratio provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
The medical loss ratio calculation requires that insurance companies spend a certain percentage of premium dollars on medical care versus administrative costs and profit. Companies that fail to do so must provide rebates to their policyholders.
OPINION – November 16, 2011 – I wanted to follow up on your article titled “Regulators Didn’t Question $56 million payout by Regence BlueCross BlueShield” because I am concerned the article is misleading and does not provide the public with accurate information.
