Kristian Foden-Vencil, Oregon Public Broadcasting

‘Bureaucratic Ninjas’ Slice Red-Tape To Battle Health Disparities

KFF Health News Original

A person’s ZIP code can be as important to her health as her genetic code. One large health system has begun to tackle the social challenges that influence a person’s health by asking questions and giving extra help to people in need.

Oregon Has A Shortage Of Certified Medical Interpreters

KFF Health News Original

Thirteen years ago, Oregon passed a bill requiring trained translators be available in health care settings for patients who speak little English. But there are still fewer than 100 qualified interpreters in the state.

Drug Discount Program Has Drugmakers Crying Foul

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals and drug makers are waging a pitched battle over the program — known as 340B — that requires drug manufacturers to give steep discounts to hospitals that treat a large percentage of poor patients.

Oregon Raises White Flag Over Its Health Exchange

KFF Health News Original

Oregon has been “all in” on health reform. Its embrace of the Affordable Care Act includes a very successful Medicaid expansion, a $2 billion federal experiment to show the state can save money by managing patients’ care better, and, of course, the state’s own online marketplace to sell Obamacare insurance. But that last point has been […]

‘Good Behavior’ More Than A Game To Health Care Plan

KFF Health News Original

Behaving well in elementary school could reduce smoking in later life. At least, that’s what Trillium Community Health Plan hopes, and it’s putting money behind the idea. Danebo Elementary in Eugene, Ore., is one of 50 schools receiving money to teach classes while integrating something called the “Good Behavior Game.” Teacher Cami Railey sits at a […]

Oregon Shines On Medicaid, As Texas Stalls On Sign-Ups

KFF Health News Original

In Oregon, the online health marketplace isn’t working for people looking to buy individual policies. But the state has been rapidly expanding Medicaid anyway. In Texas, insurance helpers may face state regulations that would make it even harder to assist people seeking coverage.