The Lund Report

New Trump cut affects Astoria hospital tsunami project

A new round of federal cuts has local officials scrambling to assess the future of a community “refuge” expansion under way at Columbia Memorial Hospital

Apr 8, 2025
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A view of OHSU's South Waterfront campus in September 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

OHSU ties to key players in its merger review reflect a larger problem, some say

State officials defend their work. But conflict-of-interest concerns raised about two members of a state review board — as well as the consultant leading its efforts— show that shortcomings of a high-stakes state program have not been addressed, a former state health official says.

Apr 4, 2025

MOHAMED HASSAN/PIXABAY

Counselors, therapists want limits on audits by health insurers and the state

Providers say audits are unfairly demanding costly repayment of very old claims — but health insurers say the proposed new rules would be unworkable

Apr 3, 2025
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Rep. Rob Nosse (pictured upper right) says outside advice would help lawmakers and the public when bills are proposed to require insurance companies to cover a specific treatment, device or procedure. Such bills balance complicated questions of cost and and access. | OREGON HEALTH FORUM

Bill to help lawmakers mull health insurance decisions is back

For the third session in a row, lawmakers have the opportunity to address what Rep. Rob Nosse calls a ‘lousy’ process when it comes to bills to mandate health coverage

Apr 1, 2025
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A COVID-19 VACCINE IS ADMINISTERED AT THE DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN BEND, JANUARY 2021./BRADLEY W. PARKS/OPB

Oregon joins federal suit to block sudden cancellation of $11.4 billion in health grants

The Trump administration cuts would deliver a $117 million hit to Oregon programs set up to combat disease and drug addiction

Apr 1, 2025

A hallway in OHSU's main campus in Portland in September 2024 | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

State review of OHSU takeover of Legacy Health nears recommendation

A review board on Monday will consider whether to recommend state approval of the proposed merger between Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health. Critics say the newly dominant health care powerhouse in greater Portland would inevitably jack up costs, but supporters say it would help care.

Mar 28, 2025
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A FLU VACCINATION BEING GIVEN./PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PORTLAND TRIBUNE (USED WITH PERMISSION)

Oregon public health programs hit with $117 million in surprise federal cuts

Trump administration's abrupt halt to grants worth $12 billion around the country has state and local agencies contemplating layoffs and cuts to programs combatting diseases such as tuberculous, mpox and the flu

Mar 27, 2025

State Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem, during a Senate Health Care Committee hearing. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon won’t set price caps on prescription drugs — for now

Citing a desire for consensus and to see how things go elsewhere, State Sen. Deb Patterson has dropped plans this session to follow the lead of some other states and authorize caps on excessive pharmaceutical prices charged to insurers and government payers

Mar 27, 2025
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ONDŘEJ P. VANĚČEK IS LICENSED UNDER CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Oregon Death With Dignity prescriptions grew last year as reported deaths declined

Critics feared an increase in ‘death tourism’ after the state dropped its residency requirement, but slightly fewer non-Oregonians used the law to end their lives in 2024.

Mar 27, 2025
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PeaceHealth, Vancouver - Medical Center Physician's Building. | COURTESY PEACEHEALTH

Major Vancouver mental health provider furloughs 112 workers, will continue methadone treatment

Officials are scrambling to respond after Columbia River Mental Health Services, a mainstay of Clark County's behavioral health system, issued a surprise announcement of clinic closures and a financial crisis Monday. A leader says methadone treatment will continue to prevent sudden withdrawal for 800 clients.

Mar 26, 2025
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