State Health Policy

Image

Emma Sandoe will head the state program providing free health care to 1 in 3 Oregonians. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Updated: Emma Sandoe named as next director of Oregon's Medicaid program

Sandoe hails from North Carolina's program where Oregon Health Authority Director Sejal Hathi also had worked for a time. Sandoe will bring a national reputation while heading the $28-billion Oregon Health Plan providing free health care to 1.4 million low-income people.

May 23, 2024
Premium

Image

Kevin Heinrich a licensed practical nurse at a workstation at Mirabella Portland’s skilled nursing facility. Nurses and other health care workers have become increasingly hard to find after the pandemic. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

New report too rosy about Oregon’s nursing homes, their lobbying group says

A new study ranks Oregon among the states best-positioned to meet new federal staffing rules for nursing homes. But a state lobbying group says it glosses over a new requirement of of 24-hour nurse coverage that will be tough to meet

May 21, 2024
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon should do more to fix fractured behavioral health system, report finds

The state’s failure to provide the sort of treatment considered the most effective ends up increasing costs elsewhere in the system, according to researchers

May 21, 2024
Premium

Image

JOZEF MICIC/SHUTTERSTOCK

High-profile Oregon health-mergers review law survives hospitals’ challenge

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit that sought to knock out state office intended to protect access and affordability. Hospitals may appeal.

May 17, 2024
Premium

Image

Gov. Tina Kotek speaks to reporters at a press event in April 2023 in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

New records detail Aimee Kotek Wilson’s involvement in Oregon Health Authority affairs

Governor’s spouse was part of ‘team’ working on behavioral health, emails show. Supporters fear governor’s handling of the situation could spark backlash.

May 16, 2024
Premium

Image

ANTONIO GUILLEM/SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon’s health care cost-growth controls hit a crucial stage

Critics disagree on whether the state’s proposed final rules for insurers and hospitals are too weak or will have unintended effects

May 16, 2024
Premium

Image

This Oregon Medical Group clinic in Eugene is one of several primary care businesses bought in Oregon by UnitedHealth's Optum Health Division.

Optum will let doctors who quit Oregon Medical Group treat local patients, lawmakers say

Company’s use of non-compete agreements had sparked controversy in Oregon amid a larger debate

May 10, 2024
Premium

Image

Flanked by former Oregon Health Authority Director Bruce Goldberg and former Gov. John Kitzhaber, Rep. Ben Bowman on Wednesday addressed members of the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bowman launches reboot of bill to curb corporate medicine

High profile bill died unexpectedly, but the Tigard lawmaker and newly chosen House leader hopes to succeed with a new attempt next year

May 9, 2024
Premium

Image

The amount paid in deductibles by patients each year is increasing and is growing faster than the amount paid in co-insurance and copays. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregonians pay more for care as employers push high-deductible plans

A state report finds that Oregonians saw deductible expenses grow 31.9% over seven years as companies increasingly offer thinner coverage that shifts costs, risks to employees

May 2, 2024
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Hospitals' challenge to Oregon merger reviews nears key ruling

Judge will decide whether the Hospital Association of Oregon has the legal standing it needs to knock out the high-profile state program

May 2, 2024
Premium