Medicaid

Oregon Hospital Tax Becomes Political Bargaining Chip

Chris Lehman — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:31:07 +0000

The Oregon House Tuesday approved a measure to renew a tax paid by hospitals and long-term care facilities. The concept isn't controversial since the institutions that pay it are largely reimbursed by federal Medicaid dollars. But the vote became a skirmish in a larger political battle in Salem.

That battle is whether to raise revenue or cut public pensions further.

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.

Washington Governor Unveils Job Creation Plan

Alexandra Kocik — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:26:52 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled a series of proposals Wednesday in Olympia he’s hoping will create more jobs. The Democratic governor’s plan focuses on training for tech-savvy workers and funding transportation projects. He also says expanding Medicaid next year will lead to more than 10,000 new jobs within two years.

“Expansion of Medicaid is a system that will not only reach over 250,000 Washingtonians with health care, but will help job creation all across the state.”

This was the first of multiple policy proposals Inslee is planning over the next few weeks.

Oregon Medicaid Waiver Includes Boost For Rural Health

Chris Lehman — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:25:41 +0000

A new federal waiver for Oregon includes a provision aimed at luring doctors to small towns. The state won final approval Monday from the Obama administration for plans to move ahead with big changes in health care.

Wash. Hospitals Unveil Alternative Plan For ER Visits

Ruby de Luna — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:05:46 +0000

The state has been trying to crack down on ER visits for conditions that are not critical. But health care providers say the state’s policies go too far, they’re unsafe for patients, and will shift costs to hospitals.

Hospitals and emergency room doctors want to address the problem their own way. They’ve put together what they call best practices for reducing unnecessary ER visits. A key component of that is using an electronic health information system.