Outside Oregon

Joel Ario to Oversee Insurance Exchanges

Former Oregon insurance commissioner heads to Washington DC
August 11, 2010 – Joel Ario who was Oregon’s chief insurance regulator from 2000 to 2007 is joining the Obama administration to oversee the nation’s health insurance exchange system. Read More >>

Federal Drug Discount Program Begins

The Obama administration announced this week a drug discount program largely for children
Originally at TheHill.com
August 2, 2010 -- Children's hospitals and other medical centers on Monday became eligible to enroll in a Medicaid program that offers discounted drugs, as called for in the healthcare reform law. Read More >>

Bi-Partisan Alliance Takes On Non-Profit Hospitals

Politics makes strange bedfellows in fight against non-profit hospitals
March 29, 2010 -- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) have formed an unusual alliance to ensure that tax-exempt hospitals treat patients without insurance. Read More >>

Coming Down on Anthem Blue Cross in California

Two LA Times stories investigate the financing and regulatory malfeasance of Anthem and parent Wellpoint
February 24, 2010 -- The recent focus on Anthem Blue Cross in California for excessive rate increases mirrors much of our reporting at The Lund Report about premium increases in Oregon. Read More >>

AMA to Maintain Medical Billing Code Monopoly

Critics contend protecting this proprietary billing codes doctors use to submit insurance claims accounts for the AMA's support of health reform
January 6, 2010 -- As Democrats tout the American Medical Association's endorsement of their health care overhaul, critics are pointing to their studious sidestepping of a little-known monopoly that sends millions into the trade group's coffers each year, saying it's no surprise the Democrats were able to gain the AMA's support. Read More >>

Dean Calls Health Bill Bigger Bailout than AIG

Progressive leader Howard Dean made about the boldest call yesterday in response to the news that both the public option and Medicare buy-in had died
December 16, 2009 -- President Obama said he likes the Senate health care compromise and wants it passed by Christmas, but he faces a revolt from some liberals who say the health care bill has been gutted to appease insurance companies. Read More >>

Aetna to Increase Profits by Dropping Members

Through premium increases, Aetna realizes it will lose 600,000 members, but that's okay
December 16, 2009 -- Back when it was the largest private health plan in the country, Aetna downsized its membership by millions but boosted profits during an overhaul of its business several years ago. Read More >>

Public Option Dream Fading Fast

The dream of a government-run insurance plan for everyone has died a death of a thousand cuts
December 10, 2009 -- Supporters of the public option woke up Wednesday to a disappointing new truth, given all they had invested in the proposal: Senate Democrats traded away the public option for 60 votes. Read More >>

Liberal Leader Backs Health Deal

Howard Dean says expanding Medicare should have been the first choice
December 9, 2009 -- An ardent supporter of the public option, Howard Dean is more than happy with the proposed compromise that includes expanding Medicare. "This is what should have been done in the first place," Dean said. Read More >>

Wyden Wins Free Choice Concession

Vote likely on amendment to offer vouchers for tax-free portion of employer sponored health plans
November 20, 2009 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) have taken a long stride toward locking down the support of Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Read More >>
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