Oregon Health Plan rolls out first-in-the-nation housing assistance program

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon launched a new program on Friday that connects eligible Oregon Health Plan members with rent assistance and other housing benefits -- aiming to help Oregonians with certain health conditions keep their housing.

The housing benefits include rent assistance for up to six months, utility set-up and payments for six months, home modifications and other upgrades for health and safety reasons such as ramp installation, and pest control.

Though other states have similar benefits, Oregon is the first state to roll out assistance as a statewide Medicaid benefit -- and under Oregon's program -- OHP members can request housing benefits before receiving an eviction notice.

“Oregon’s health inequities are inextricably linked to our state’s housing crisis. Individuals and families who become homeless face a significantly higher risk of mortality and higher rates of behavioral and physical health conditions – even as they report poorer access to care. These Medicaid benefits can help stop that cycle and, in a model for the rest of the country, make it possible for Oregonians to maintain their current housing, connect with providers and access additional resources that support their well-being," OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi said.

Eligible OHP members include people with a complex physical or behavioral health condition, a developmental or intellectual disability, difficulty with self-care and people with experience of abuse or neglect. The program is also open to Oregonians who are pregnant or recently gave birth within the last year, along with people who are 65 years old and older, or people under six years old.

“Housing plays a pivotal role in our physical and mental wellbeing. And yet, so many of our neighbors are living paycheck to paycheck, where an unexpected issue can lead to a loss of income and loss of a home,” said Emma Sandoe, Medicaid director at Oregon Health Authority. “These benefits are one more tool to keep Oregonians housed during short-term disruptions and prevent negative health outcomes of homelessness.”

According to OHA, 22% of Oregon renters have extremely low income, with $30,560 being the average income limit for a four-person household.

Officials said evictions and loss of housing can lead to negative health effects including increased risk for physical and mental health conditions, worsening existing health conditions, and creating obstacles to health care and food access.

"Housing is a critical driver of health outcomes, significantly impacting social mobility and economic opportunity," said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director, Andrea Bell. "Stable housing serves as a catalyst for expanding access to preventive care, while reducing the monumental costs associated with emergency care. This is what transformative, integrated care looks like."

OHA said the benefits will help the state meet its goal of eliminating health inequities by 2030.