Lobbying

Standard Joined Regence Against Ballot Measures

Together both insurance companies spent $105,000 to defeat Ballot Measures 66 and 67 in a special election

March 4, 2010 – Regence BlueCross BlueShield wasn’t the only insurer that made a financial contribution to try and defeat Ballot Measures 66 and 67. Read More >>

Community Mental Health Association Replaces Lobbyist

Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs bids farewell to Bobby Green, welcomes Andy Smith as new legislative liason

February 24, 2010 -- “Andy’s combination of personal integrity, broad experience in state and local government and his knowledge of people and issues make him an invaluable member of our team”, said Gina Nikkel, Executive Director of the Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs. Read More >>

A Call for Regence to Become Accountable

Regence’s actions are more consistent with a for-profit hedge fund

February 18, 2010 -- I just returned from 16 days in Singapore to start teaching my public health, health management and international health students again for Linfield’s spring semester. Read More >>

Oregon Regulators Stand Up to Insurers

It's a great day for consumers and small businesses, said State Sen. Chip Shields

February 16, 2010 -- Despite heated objections by health insurance companies, state regulators at the Oregon Insurance Division finalized rules on Tuesday (Feb. 16) making every part of their rate filing open to the public. Read More >>

Regence Wants Slow Approach on Reform

Since 2006, Massachusetts has seen a dramatic reduction in premiums for individuals and small businesses after creating an insurance exchange.

February 11, 2010 – It was quite a coincidence. Almost the same time Regence BlueCross BlueShield received approval to raise individual rates by 16 percent, one of its top executives urged policymakers to proceed slowly with setting up an insurance exchange so the market wouldn’t be disrupted. Read More >>

Regence Gave $70,000 to Defeat Ballot Measures 66 and 67

In doing so, Regence became the only health insurer in Oregon that contributed to the 'no' campaign

January 28, 2010 -- The victory celebrated by proponents of Ballot Measures 66 and 67, which will raise taxes on corporations and wealthy Oregonians, no doubt left one health insurer booing from the sidelines. Read More >>

Regence Tells Brokers to Oppose Premium Tax in Health Reform Bill

The $6.7 billion tax to cover the uninsured will supposedly be passed onto consumers

December 18, 2009 -- In an email to brokers and agents, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon tells them to urge their elected representatives to vote against the healthcare reform bill in Congress because it's estimated to raise premiums on those who have insurance. Read More >>

Prominent Insurance Executive Denounces Big Money

Former medical director of Oregon’s largest insurer has a few choice words for the health insurance industry at large

August 18, 2009 -- I’ve been inside our health industry as the medical director for Oregon’s largest commercial insurer and have seen what happens when big money is involved, and public policy is crucial to future profits. Read More >>

The AMA Doesn’t Represent Me

Internet community reflects growing discontent with AMA among doctors

July 23, 2009 --The perception of the public is often that the AMA represents the majority of physicians, or even that all doctors belong to the AMA. In this time of debate over healthcare reform, it’s important to be clear about where all parties stand. Does the AMA truly represent the views of the nation’s physicians? This has recently been called into doubt. Read More >>

Industry Lobby Spends $1.4 Million Per Day

Record-breaking lobbying campaign by industry has 350 former lawmakers and Congressional aides

Originally at WashingtonPost.com

July 6, 2009 -- The nation's largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records.

Our Mission

The Lund Report keeps its radar focused on Oregon’s healthcare industry. Our goal is to empower consumers. We believe an informed public can create a more accountable and transparent system.

Text Resize

^-A ⁺A

We rely on the financial support of individuals whose contributions are tax-deductible. Unlike our competitors, we adamantly refuse to accept money from the healthcare industry or paid advertisements.

Participate in the discussion by becoming a subscriber. You'll have the opportunity to comment on articles, submit guest editorials, and receive our weekly e-mail alerts. Unlike our competitors, you'll never pay a subscription fee.

By TwitterIcon.com