Ben Botkin

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Under Oregon's Medicaid exemption, Sheena Powell (at right) of Salem was unable to get braces for her daughter, CiAna (at left) through Oregon Health Plan. | COURTESY PHOTO

How Oregon’s Alone-In-The-Nation Approach To Children’s Health Care Unraveled In Weeks 

Internal Oregon Health Authority emails show that officials debated Lund Report article to make a ‘strategic and political decision’ to reduce barriers for low-income children’s access to coverage.

Mar 1, 2022

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State health officials are racing to win federal approval of Oregon Health Plan changes before Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, shown at the Oregon Convention Center vaccination site, leaves office. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Oregon Officials Wind Down COVID-19-Related Orders 

Oregon will end mask requirements on March 19 and lift COVID-19 emergency declaration on April 1.

Feb 24, 2022
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Officials Tie Psychiatric Hospital’s Needs To More Community Programs

Legislators grilled an outside expert and the Oregon Health Authority about a proposal to charge counties that don’t accept Oregon State Hospital patients.

Feb 17, 2022
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SHARON MCCUTCHEON ON UNSPLASH

Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Bill Advances

Approved by the House, the legislation would lower barriers to surgical technologist certification to address shortages around the state.

Feb 17, 2022
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SHUTTERSTOCK

For Steve Allen, Behavioral Health System’s Overhaul Is Deliberative Work 

An Oregon Health Authority proposal to charge counties for unaccepted Oregon State Hospital patients won’t kick in until at least 2023, if ever.

Feb 15, 2022
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FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA/PIXABAY

State Officials Prep For Oregon Health Plan Shakeup

Plans are taking shape in the Legislature to keep people enrolled when kicked off the Oregon Health Plan.

Feb 10, 2022
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Cainan Molzer (far right), 17, of Medford, poses with his family. | COURTESY JOE MOLZER

Facing Scrutiny, Oregon Will Phase Out Barriers To Children’s Health Care 

After concerns went public, Oregon Health Authority abandoned its one-of-a-kind system for children on Medicaid that has led to denials for medically necessary care.

Feb 9, 2022

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Delay For Behavioral Health Money Stirs Concerns

Oregon’s slow roll out of a $1 billion package in behavioral health is raising eyebrows.

Feb 8, 2022
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State health officials are racing to win federal approval of Oregon Health Plan changes before Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, shown at the Oregon Convention Center vaccination site, leaves office. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

For Governor, The Pandemic And Health Care Stay In Forefront

Gov. Kate Brown gave her final State of the State address Thursday, with an eye toward pushing Oregon beyond COVID-19 and expanding the state’s health care workforce.

Feb 4, 2022
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

House Bill Would Bolster Behavioral Health Workforce

The state would provide incentives to retain and recruit employees in the behavioral health care industry as policymakers seek a long-term solution.

Feb 3, 2022
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