Health Care

Army Surgeon General Suspends “Trust Enhancement” Program Following Investigation

Patricia Murphy — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:22:53 +0000

In 2010 the tempo of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were saddling the Army’s Medical Treatment Facilities with thousands of soldiers needing complex healthcare. That same year Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker chartered a task force to help improve trust. He believed trust was the foundation of Army Medicine.

Washington Mental Health Reform Focuses On Preventive Care

Alexandra Kocik — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:40:29 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Health care advocates are pushing Washington state lawmakers to keep up momentum toward expanding access to Medicaid. About 100 people rallied on the Capitol steps in Olympia Thursday. They argue one group that will especially benefit is people with mental illness.

Inside the Capitol, that’s one of many issues related to the mentally ill.

Health Advocates Rally In Olympia For Medicaid Expansion

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:08:36 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – More than 100 health care advocates gathered in Olympia in support of Medicaid expansion Thursday. It coincided with an announcement by Gov. Jay Inslee, unveiling his budget priorities.

Northwest Lawmakers Continue Fight Against Indoor Tanning

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:17 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Research shows if you use a tanning bed before the age of 35, you are more likely to get skin cancer. That’s why legislators in Washington, Oregon and Idaho have been considering proposals to bar teenagers from indoor tanning salons. A bill in the Washington legislature to do this has died for the fourth year. But the idea is still alive in Salem and Boise.

Jessica Hewlett is just 22 years old and already a cancer survivor.

Fate Of Abortion Coverage Bill Uncertain In Washington Senate

Alexandra Kocik — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:26:56 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. − A bill to require insurance companies to offer plans that cover maternity services and abortions passed the Washington House Friday. It is unclear, however, whether the legislation will make it through the Senate’s Republican-majority caucus. Majority Leader Rodney Tom has said he doesn’t want to vote on divisive social issues.

In the House debate, Rep.

Community Health Workers Aim To Save Oregon Money And Improve Care

Angela Kellner — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:45:53 +0000

Health care eats up a lot of money. The aim of the Affordable Care Act is to help reduce the cost and increase access.

In Oregon, the state has embarked on an ambitious journey to improve health outcomes while trimming expenses. It’s being done through CCOs or Coordinated Care Organizations. One aspect is the use of community health workers, who visit patients in their homes to try and prevent costly trips to the emergency room.

KLCC’s Angela Kellner introduces us to one Springfield woman who now thinks of her community health worker as a son.

Bill Would Make Exempting Children From Vaccinations More Difficult

Virginia Alvino — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:29:56 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – A bill in Salem would make it harder for Oregon parents to opt out of immunizing their children. Virginia Alvino reports.

Oregon Senate Panel Advances Medical Malpractice Legislation

Chris Lehman — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:50:57 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – An Oregon Senate panel has given the initial go-ahead to a measure aimed at reducing the cost of medical malpractice insurance. The proposal would set up a mediation system aimed at heading off costly litigation between injured patients and their doctors.

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber testified in favor of the plan Thursday. He held up a signed agreement between two long-feuding rival groups.

"This, in my hand, Mr.

Washington State Pays For More Than Half Of Births

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:23:23 +0000

SHELTON, Wash. - It’s one of the most vexing problems state lawmakers face: how to curb the rising cost of healthcare. In Washington, there’s one specific line item in the healthcare budget that’s startling, but few at the Capitol are talking about: taxpayers now foot the bill for more than half of all births in Washington.

Washington Governor Urges Expansion Of Medicaid 'Quickly'

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:14:37 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. –Washington Governor Jay Inslee wants state lawmakers to move “quickly” to expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. At a news conference Wednesday, the Democratic governor described expansion as a “no brainer” that will save the state money.

Inslee says Medicaid expansion will save the state of Washington $142 million over the next two years and lead to 250,000 more people insured.