Nick Budnick

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GERD ALTMANN/PIXABAY

Tripledemic's sequel likely won’t be as bad for Oregon, expert says

New waves of COVID, RSV and the flu are headed this way, but a top expert forecasts less of an impact on most Oregonians and the state’s hospitals compared to 12 months ago

Dec 7, 2023
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PIXABAY

The state’s climate benefit for low-income Oregonians is shrinking

State officials failed to persuade the federal government to embrace changes to an agreement around a climate-related devices such as air conditioners, and now are planning a scaled-down program for March

Nov 30, 2023
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JOZEF MICIC/SHUTTERSTOCK

CareOregon urges Kotek to speed up merger review

The Oregon Health Plan provider, which would send $120 million to a merged California nonprofit under the deal, wants the state to wrap up a process nearing the 12-month mark — even as opposition mounts

Nov 28, 2023
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PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington, on Aug. 7, 2013. | RYTYHO USA/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PeaceHealth to refund millions to low-income patients in Washington, but not Oregon

The health system settled a state investigation of its five Washington hospitals that found unlawful billing of thousands of patients it knew qualified for charity care

Nov 21, 2023
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COURTESY PHOTO

Key Multnomah County mental health diversion unit ‘in shambles’

The nationally acclaimed program is foundering amid a tripled workload, fear of violence and staff departures

Nov 14, 2023

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Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in southwest Portland. | M.O. STEVENS/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

State's billing probe of Providence Health continues

Oregon Department of Justice investigation of alleged improper billing of low-income people remains open 13 months later

Nov 9, 2023
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Dr. Sejal Hathi | COURTESY GOV. TINA KOTEK'S OFFICE

Kotek appoints new director of Oregon Health Authority

Dr. Sejal Hathi will take the helm of the state’s largest agency in January

Nov 6, 2023

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Letter from the editor: A note of thanks and a year-end goal

Consider supporting local independent journalism during this year's season of giving

Nov 2, 2023

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STEFAN SCHWEIHOFER/PIXABAY

Portland-area senior sues Mutual of Omaha over repeated denials

Despite frequent falls, dementia and other concerns, the insurer has denied coverage of assisted living, according to the suit

Nov 2, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Governor, lawmakers need to take action on Oregon kids’ mental health, advocate says

One in 4 Oregon youth ages 12-17 have experienced a “major depressive episode” in the last 12 months — the second-highest rate in the country, according to the state

Oct 31, 2023
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