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Counselors, therapists want limits on audits by health insurers and the state

Providers say audits are unfairly demanding costly repayment of very old claims — but health insurers say the proposed new rules would be unworkable

Apr 3
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A FLU VACCINATION BEING GIVEN./PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PORTLAND TRIBUNE (USED WITH PERMISSION)

Oregon public health programs hit with $117 million in surprise federal cuts

Trump administration's abrupt halt to grants worth $12 billion around the country has state and local agencies contemplating layoffs and cuts to programs combatting diseases such as tuberculous, mpox and the flu

Mar 27

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Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon, on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

State wants hospitals to pay more to support the program investigating them

Oregon health officials are asking lawmakers to support a bill that would increase hospital licensing fees by a factor of five to improve outreach and oversight. They'd still be less than in Washington state, but hospital officials say the move would further burden struggling facilities.

Mar 18
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Price-fixing claims multiply against Regence BlueCross BlueShield, other Blues insurers

The Blues say the allegations are baseless, but suits against them are mounting — with Regence hit with 10 federal suits in 48 hours — as a national $2.8 billion settlement splinters

Mar 6
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Salem Health-Regence split turns spotlight on insurance company wealth

Power struggles, pressure tactics and public brinksmanship in recent disputes between health insurers and providers — such as hospitals — are all about money. Insurers have it, and providers want more of it.

Mar 4
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A view of OHSU's South Waterfront campus from its main campus on Marquam Hill. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici join OHSU scientists to raise alarms over medical research cuts, others

A Trump administration effort to trim existing medical grants would carve as much as $80 million from Oregon Health & Science University, block life-saving research and cost jobs, critics say. Members of Oregon's congressional delegation want the public to speak out.

Feb 14

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Dr. Jane Zhu of Oregon Health & Science University examined billings for gastroenterology care before and after practices are acquired finding a boost in costs. | COURTESY OF OHSU/CHRISTINE TORRES HICKS

Study: Private equity takeovers boost billings, fees

A new study co-authored by OHSU researcher Jane Zhu drilled down on the bills issued by gastroenterologists after private equity buys their practices, finding a 78% jump in professional fees for colonoscopies and other care

Feb 11
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Nurses and other health care workers picket outside of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in January, 2025. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill would force hospitals to disclose spending during strikes

After Providence nurses at eight hospitals rejected union-negotiated contract terms, the health system continues to pay an estimated $25 million a week on replacement workers

Feb 11
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PIXABAY

Consultant vows to ‘zero in’ on Oregon prison care denials in wake of blistering report

A consultant hired by Oregon prison officials to look into a scathing outside review said his firm will operate with transparency and objectivity. An attorney specializing in representing people denied care said a pattern of outrageous decisions in recent years calls for a more in-depth review.

Feb 4
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