Category Healthcare
Study ranks Salem 9th in U.S. for alcohol-induced deaths in older adults
Salem has one of the highest rates of alcohol-induced deaths for people over age 65 in the country, according to a recent study evaluating metro regions. An aging population, lack of rural treatment and health care, low alcohol taxes and a pervasive drinking culture each contribute to Oregon’s high death rates.
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COLUMN: Will Medicare counselors ask for personal information?
Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. In this month's column, he answers a reader's question about how to prepare for a conversation with a volunteer Medicare counselor.
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Over 100,000 Marion, Polk residents to lose Providence health insurance by next year
After Providence closes its insurance programs, around 100,000 people in Marion and Polk counties will have to land a new health insurance by next year to keep paying in-network prices at their local doctor’s office.
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States that cover healthcare for immigrants scale back
Oregon is among the six states and the District of Columbia that cover health care for income-eligible adults regardless of their immigration status. Federal restrictions and cuts to Medicaid are leading other states to scale back benefits amid budget pressures.
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COLUMN: Using Medicare while traveling, and how Medigap works
Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. He's available to answer your questions. In this month’s column, Sellers explains how to access coverage while on vacation and how Medigap policies work.
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State regulators will take longer to review potential patient impacts of Salem Health-Santiam merger
State regulators have decided to take a closer look at the proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics. During the extended review, they will examine the deal for its effects on competition in the local healthcare market and its impact on healthcare costs, access and quality for patients.
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Regence asks state to ax proposed Salem Health-Santiam merger
People insured through Regence BlueCross BlueShield have been without in-network access to the city's biggest hospital since late 2024. Now, the insurer is opposing the proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics, claiming the deal could further decrease healthcare access, competition and affordability in the region.
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Marion County Health & Human Services leaders abruptly depart under unclear circumstances
Ryan Matthews, Marion County’s Health & Human Services administrator, and Deputy Director Katrina Griffith are no longer working for the county as of Wednesday, April 22, according to an email to staff obtained by Salem Reporter. It did not clarify the circumstances of their departure.
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Residents raise concerns over insurance, consolidation in Salem Health, Santiam deal
Patients, politicians and nonprofit leaders have submitted comments to state regulators reviewing the proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics. Many of the comments published online are in opposition to the proposal.
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