The Lund Report

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Decades-old Oregon health care cost-control program will continue — for now

Concerns from care organizations and providers have derailed an agency push to kill a program that engages in public, evidence-based rationing of Oregon Health Plan services, kicking it to a task force instead

Apr 10
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OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital has a level 1 pediatric trauma center. | OHSU/CHRISTINE TORRES HICKS

Advisory board’s surprise vote against OHSU’s takeover of Legacy is not final

A community review board’s unexpected 5-0 vote to recommend the state block OHSU’s purchase of Legacy will be considered by program staff, but is not binding

Apr 8
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Mathew Padrow (left), Denise Darby (center) and Hunter Graham (right) testify in support of changes to Oregon's civil commitment law to the Oregon House Judiciary Committee on April 3, 2025. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Coalition's push to change Oregon’s civil commitment law faces opposition

Kotek-backed bill has support from hospitals and law enforcement and the medical community, while behavioral health advocates are split

Apr 8
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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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
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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