Oregon distributes nearly 1,000 air conditioners, air filters and other climate-control devices to Oregon Health Plan members | The Source Weekly

TThree months after Oregon introduced the nation’s first climate-related benefits tied to Medicaid coverage, nearly 1,000 eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members received essential devices to help them stay healthy.

These devices include air conditioners, heaters, air filters, mini-fridges for storing medicines and portable power supplies to operate medical equipment (such as fans during power outages). Air conditioners accounted for 44% of the 939 devices distributed from March 1 to May 31.

OHA and partners are working to distribute climate devices to eligible OHP members ahead of this summer’s heat waves and wildfires. Oregon has recorded its hottest summers on record for the past five years, and climate models show that heat wave severity is likely to increase.

The new climate benefits are part of Oregon’s federally funded OHP program, which covers health-related social services (HRSN) that help maintain health and well-being but are not traditionally considered medical services.

The state is first expanding eligibility for climate devices to people who are going through life transitions. This includes people who: are currently or previously involved in Oregon’s child welfare system; are homeless or at risk of homelessness; are transitioning to dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid; and adults and youth recently discharged from an Institution for the Mentally Ill (IMD) or released from prison within the past year.

To be eligible, members must not live in a group home or shelter and must have access to stable and safe power to use these facilities. Climate resources must also be part of the member’s health or treatment needs.

“Our climate is changing, and the way we deliver health care must change with it,” said Dave Baden, deputy director of OHA. “People with lower incomes and chronic health conditions are among those most at risk for heat exhaustion, heat stroke or complications from other health conditions associated with extreme climate events. Access to these services will reduce health care disparities and provide life-saving resources to Oregonians.”

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our team.