Vulnerable Oregonians May Access Housing Benefits Under New OHP Initiative
Eligible members of the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) with certain specific health conditions will now have new benefits. The initiative seeks to address housing stability as a determining health factor and includes several forms of help.
OHP Housing Assistance Initiative
The Director of OHA, Dr. Sejal Hathi, confirmed that health inequities are inextricably linked to Oregon’s housing crisis and homeless people have a significantly higher risk of mortality as well as higher rates of behavioral and physical health conditions.
Dr. Hathi said the Medicaid benefits can help stop this cycle and make it possible for people to connect with providers, maintain their current housing, and access additional resources that support their well-being.
As the first state to introduce rent assistance as a Medicaid benefit statewide, Oregon has developed a comprehensive model to address short-term disruptions that could lead to loss of housing while also preventing the associated negative health impacts.
Administered through OHP’s network of CCOs and housing providers, OHP applications will take up to two weeks to review, with extra time for benefit provision- depending on provider capacity and demand.
As part of a broader suite of health-related social services Oregon is developing to address disparities, the OHP housing assistance will be one of the measures aimed at eliminating health inequities in the state by 2030.
Climate-related benefits, such as air conditioners and air filters, were also introduced earlier this year and these are intended to support health during extreme weather events. In addition, nutrition benefits are scheduled for release in early 2025.
Oregon Health Plan Offers Housing Assistance To Vulnerable Citizens
In terms of the new benefits of the OHP, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) also provides rent assistance.
The additional benefits extend to home modifications and utility payments and setup, as well as rental navigation. Eligible members will also be able to apply for benefits before an eviction notice is served. To qualify for housing assistance under OHP, the criteria for individuals include:
- Complex physical or behavioral health needs.
- A history of abuse or neglect.
- Self-care challenges.
- Developmental or intellectual disabilities.
- Frequent use of emergency or crisis services
Assistance will also be available to those over 65 or under 6, and women who are pregnant or have given birth recently.
To apply for housing assistance under OHP, applicants should contact their coordinated care organizations (CCOs) or local OHP community partners for assistance. More information can be obtained from the OHA Client Services Unit at:
- Call: 1-800-273-0557
- Email: [email protected].
- Unhoused OHP members” 211 may be able to provide resources
Oregon’s first-in-the-nation housing assistance program, aimed at addressing housing stability as key to health, is seen as a model for the rest of the country.