The Lund Report

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Gov. Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield blasted the Trump administration on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 after federal funding portals shut down in the wake of a new White House order.

Kotek, Rayfield blast Trump over shutdown of Medicaid funding

As lawmakers take up an optimistic budget proposed by Kotek, the unexplained abrupt shutdown of federal reimbursements to a variety of safety net programs is sparking a backlash across the country

Jan 28

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An ambulance pulls into the entrance driveway for Oregon Health & Science University's emergency department on Wed., Oct. 27, 2021. | OHSU/CHRISTINE TORRES HICKS

Consumer groups raise concerns about proposed OHSU-Legacy merger

OSPIRG, Oregon Consumer Justice and Health Care for All Oregon say that the deal is likely to raise prices and hurt consumers if approved without stronger protections dictated by state officials. The university says it's addressed the concerns already in its application.

Jan 23
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A white board in a hallway inside the Oregon State Hospital in November 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Judge overseeing state hospital case demands answers as contempt order looms

The state's failure to provide adequate mental health treatment is having ripple effects around the state and causing civil rights violations. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson wants to know specifically what is being done to fix things.

Jan 23
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OREGON MEDICAL GROUP IS A MAJOR PROVIDER IN LANE COUNTY,/CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Three health care companies increased costs excessively, Oregon warns

Notices to Oregon Medical Group, Moda Health and UnitedHealthcare amount to “first strike,” one official said. The new program is preparing to leverage its authority in an effort to rein in inflation affecting patients and consumers and other members of the public.

Jan 22
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St. Charles Health System in Redmond. | COURTESY ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

St. Charles' $6 million, three-year battle over paperwork may be nearing an end

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden is asking federal health officials to fix what he says is a paperwork error that has cost the central Oregon hospital system millions

Jan 21
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Oregon House legislative leaders speak to the press during a Jan. 16, 2025 media availability about the upcoming legislative session. From left, House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, House Speaker Julie Fahey and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Provider taxes, staffing shortages and mental health will be top priorities for lawmakers in 2025

Looming over the session are a possible contempt order over the Oregon State Hospital as well as Trump administration changes

Jan 21
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Rock formations at Bandon Beach in Southern Oregon. | LISA MCKELLY/PIXABAY

Safety net clinic on Southern Oregon coast to close suddenly

Rural health center serving low-income people is shutting down suddenly, creating what observers call a crisis for patients

Jan 16
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Morgan Cowling (right), the outgoing executive director of the Universal Health Plan Governance Board, reads from a document during the panel's first meeting in April 2024. Jennifer Donovan (left), a senior policy advisor, will serve as interim executive director after Cowling resigned. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Top staffer to Oregon's universal health care board resigns

Nine months after its launch the new state board tasked with crafting a plan for universal health care in Oregon needs to replace its top staffer

Jan 16
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State Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, speaks during a legislative hearing in December 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon’s health care staffing shortages could get relief under new bills

Two influential Democrats have joined a Republican lawmaker on efforts to make it easier for out-of-state professionals to ease staffing problems and help patient access

Jan 16
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An ambulance pulls into the entrance driveway for Oregon Health & Science University's emergency department on Wed., Oct. 27, 2021. | OHSU/CHRISTINE TORRES HICKS

Burnout lingers but the ranks of Oregon health care workers are growing

Numbers of nurses and others are growing but local education programs can't keep up with new job openings, per a state report

Jan 14
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