Portland, Oregon — Oregon will cover climate change costs for certain low-income patients under its Medicaid program as the normally temperate Pacific Northwest region sees longer heatwaves and more intense wildfires It will be the first state in the country.
The new initiative, which is expected to go into effect in 2024, will cover payments for equipment such as air conditioners and air filters for Medicaid members with health conditions living in areas where an extreme weather emergency has been declared by the federal or governmental authorities. The governor’s office, according to the Oregon Department of Health.
OHA director Patrick Allen said it aims to help people “coping with the effects of extreme heat, wildfires and other climate change catastrophes.”
The measures are part of what the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services described in Oregon and Massachusetts as a “groundbreaking Medicaid initiative.”
Federal agencies on Wednesday updated Medicaid waivers in both states. These exemptions target non-medical services such as meals and housing assistance for people with clinical needs to address underlying societal problems that may cause worsening health conditions.
Oregon will receive $1.1 billion in new federal funding for new Medicaid initiatives covering climate change, nutrition and housing, described by health officials as “health-related social needs.” The state will try to change it over the next five years.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown said in a statement: “Healthcare does not happen in isolation. It is clear that we must look beyond the conventional approach.”
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said the state “will continue to implement innovative reforms that provide quality care, better health and equity.”
Oregon’s new Medicaid plan stands out with two policies that are firsts in the country. Climate Change Compensation and measures to keep children enrolled in Medicaid continuously through age 6 without the need for families to re-enroll each year.
Pacific Northwest officials say a more intense heat spell is likely, following the region’s deadly “heat dome” weather event that caused record temperatures and deaths in the summer of 2021. You have been trying to adapt to a higher reality.
In Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, about 800 people were killed in a heatwave that smashed heat records for cities and towns in the region, with temperatures soaring to a record high of 116 degrees Fahrenheit (46.7 degrees Celsius) in Portland. Died. Many of those who died were elderly and lived alone.
Oregon’s new Medicaid plan not only covers payments for equipment that maintains a healthy temperature and clean air in your home, but it also covers generators in case of a power outage.
“This is based on medical indications of being particularly sensitive to heat, or using power-related medical devices, or being sensitive to smoke,” Allen said.
Oregon Medicaid members with health conditions are eligible for such devices if they live in an area where an extreme weather emergency has been declared.
Climate change can pose health risks, such as heat-related illnesses during heatwaves. Extreme weather events such as storms and floods can also negatively impact physical and mental health and disrupt food systems. Risk disproportionately affects low-income communities, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions.
Medicaid is a federal state health insurance program that helps pay for health care for low-income people of all ages. Each state determines the eligibility and full scope of covered services. The federal government reimburses a portion of state spending.
“On climate change, there is a lot of debate about ensuring that climate change health risks are addressed in ways that reduce inequities. University of Washington.
Oregon’s Medicaid Initiative said, “For people who can’t afford to buy generators to ensure life-saving equipment continues to operate during heatwaves, for example, there is an opportunity to reduce some of these inequalities. ‘ said Ebi.
Oregon and Massachusetts are expanding Medicaid food and housing assistance.
Dietary support includes personalized meal plans based on health needs and Medicaid-funded fruit and vegetable prescriptions. Housing services include assisting with rental applications, assisting with moving, and preventing evictions.
Massachusetts provides additional dietary support to Medicaid members who are children with special clinical needs or pregnant women, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In Oregon, people experiencing life changes, including those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, are eligible for rental assistance for up to six months.
