Access & Quality

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CareOregon is among 16 coordinated care organizations in Oregon serving Medicaid members. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

CareOregon’s wealth in spotlight as merger nears key review

CareOregon has grown rapidly and of late has drawn scrutiny for high profits. Though its leadership says its financial success may not last, critics don’t want control of the nonprofit’s $1 billion portfolio of cash and investments to leave Oregon

Jan 13, 2024

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Patrick Allen. | COPYRIGHTED IMAGE REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE

CareOregon merger draws opposition from former top Oregon health official

On the eve of a key state recommendation, Patrick Allen, the Oregon Health Authority's former director, said he hasn't seen a 'compelling argument' that Oregonians' interests are served by CareOregon's proposed merger into a California-based entity. The nonprofit Portland-based insurer oversees care for 500,000 low-income members of the Oregon Health Plan.

Jan 12, 2024

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CareOregon. | COURTESY OF CAREOREGON

Q&A: CEOs defend CareOregon merger plans, balk at specifics

Leaders of a California-based Medicare Advantage plan called SCAN Group and CareOregon, the Portland-based insurer that oversees government-funded care for 500,000 low-income Oregonians, said criticisms of their proposed merger don't recognize its benefits or the risks of inaction. The companies haven't disclosed long-term plans due to antitrust rules, they said — but growth is the goal.

Jan 9, 2024

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A box of Narcan, an-opioid reversing drug, before it was distributed at a day shelter in Ontario, Ore. on Oct. 13, 2022. | KYLE GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

New year brings new laws on insurance coverage, Narcan availability and more

Health care bills that made it past the finish line during the last session are now law

Jan 2, 2024
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Pictured: the North Albany building of The Corvallis Clinic, P.C. | COURTESY OF THE CORVALLIS CLINIC, P.C.

Health care giant wants to buy locally-owned Corvallis Clinic chain

UnitedHealth Group would pay undisclosed sum for 11-clinic system

Jan 2, 2024
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Portland, Oregon. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Even without a pandemic, health care was wild in 2023

It was a year in which the health care community had hoped to recuperate. Instead, Oregon and southwest Washington saw major changes affecting workers, patients, insurers, state officials and health systems.

Dec 21, 2023

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Providence Portland Medical Center. | M.O. STEVENS/CC BY 3.0/WIKIMEDIA

Anesthesiologist shortage at Providence raises concerns over private equity

Surgeries were cancelled after Providence Health switched its contract to Sound Physicians and cut ties with an Oregon provider-owned company

Dec 19, 2023
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COURTESY OF THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE

Former Oregon governor John Kitzhaber opposes CareOregon merger

Influential health leader says the Oregon nonprofit's absorption by a California Medicare insurer would undermine care for low-income people. Leadership of the two entities say the critics are off-base.

Dec 14, 2023
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JOZEF MICIC/SHUTTERSTOCK

State panel recommends against CareOregon merger

Advisory committee says Oregon should reject the absorption of the low-income care provider by a California entity unless clear information is provided

Dec 6, 2023
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Oregon Health & Science University | MICHAEL MCDERMOTT/OHSU

OHSU and Legacy Health merger plan taking longer than expected

The tentative plan would constitute a major reshaping of Oregon’s health care landscape if approved by regulators. The two sides are running a month or more behind as they work on details.

Dec 5, 2023