A state mental health system that often blocks treatment, with contractors trained by YouTube videos assessing patients, is under review after a whistleblower complained
HEALTH CARE
Oregon Right to Life sues state over birth control, abortion insurance mandate
Oregon’s largest anti-abortion advocacy group wants insurance companies to offer it a special plan that doesn’t cover emergency contraception.
Oregon regulators set 2024 rates for health insurance plans
Small employers will pay about 8.1% more for health insurance in Oregon, while individuals will pay about 6.2% more in 2024.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines expected to be available in September, federal officials say
A federal fall vaccination campaign will also include the annual flu short and a newly-approved RSV vaccine.
Salem Health begins weapons screenings at hospital entrances
Hospital leaders said the new measures are part of an overall beefing up of security at Salem Health facilities and clinics over the past year. The July shooting of a security guard at a Portland hospital accelerated some plans.
Oregon audit finds lack of transparency in Medicaid prescription system
Secretary of State auditors recommend changes to provide equal prescription access to all Oregon Health Plan members.
Gov. Kotek signs abortion and hospital staffing bills
Gov. Tina Kotek has signed House Bill 2002, which shores up access to abortions and gender-affirming health care. The bill was a key driver of the Senate Republicans walkout.
Disability group accuses Marion County of thwarting federal court order over mental health patients
Disability Rights Oregon says Marion County judges are undermining an agreement to ease crowding in the Oregon State Hospital
State seeking feedback from Oregonians about proposed health insurance rate increases
Insurers are seeking premium increases for 2024 averaging 6.2% for individual plans and 12.1% for small business plans.
Nonprofit awards $5 million to widen abortion access in Oregon
Recent grants to expand abortion access in Oregon come out of $15 million allocated by the state Legislature in 2022.