State Health Policy

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PRISCILLA DU PREEZ/UNSPLASH

State health care helpline makes Oregonians wait too long, federal officials say

People may not be getting coverage because wait times are so long, feds warn Oregon and 16 other states

Aug 22, 2023
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THE LUND REPORT ILLUSTRATION/SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon should improve oversight of insurers’ prescription drug program managers, auditors say

Other states better protect patients and pharmacies from the practices of pharmacy benefit managers, known as PBMs, auditors found

Aug 21, 2023

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Measure 110 program manager resigns, says state was ‘maliciously negligent’

Angela Carter said Oregon Health Authority ignored repeated requests for staffing and resources and fostered secrecy and manipulation as the drug decriminalization law rolled out

Aug 11, 2023
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Rights group accuses Marion County judges of ‘obstructing’ state hospital discharges

In a new filing, Disability Rights Oregon says some judges and other officials are thwarting a federal court order intended to open up beds at the state psychiatric facility

Aug 10, 2023
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Tina Kotek | COURTESY PHOTO

Kotek approves universal health care board but cites concerns

Governor calls $2-million plan costly, potentially duplicative, but supporters say it’s a crucial step toward needed reform.

Aug 8, 2023
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Juliana Wallace will advise Gov. Tina Kotek on behavioral health policy starting Sept. 5. | COURTESY GOV. TINA KOTEK'S OFFICE

Kotek hires Portland social worker and manager to advise her on behavioral health 

Juliana Wallace has avoided the spotlight while serving in a range of jobs that supporters say make her a good pick to help improve the state’s behavioral health system.

Aug 3, 2023
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

State hospital patients still held longer than court-ordered timelines, report finds

A landmark federal court order limiting how long certain patients can stay at the psychiatric facility has pressured local justice and health systems

Aug 2, 2023
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MJGRAPHICS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Flush with profits, Oregon Health Plan insurers tell Kotek they need flexibility

The governor urged the publicly funded coordinated care organizations to pony up additional funds for behavioral health, housing

Aug 1, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Justice department investigates nonprofit selected for $1.5 million state contract

The Oregon Department of Justice issued a wide-ranging demand to Black Mental Health Oregon for financial documentation

Jul 27, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

State’s plan to pay $3 million for mental health centers sparks objections

Two groups with gaps in reporting and other issues will receive hefty grants to open long-awaited Oregon mental health respite centers, but advocates and state attorneys have concerns

Jul 20, 2023
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