Connect Patients to Housing Assistance & Climate Supports November 20, 2024 Housing assistance and climate supports are available to qualified Medicaid members served by InterCommunity Health Network CCO (IHN-CCO), a part of the Samaritan Health Plans family. Housing Assistance Housing has been identified as a health-related social need (HRSN). These are basic human needs that can greatly affect a person’s ability to stay healthy outside the doctor’s office. We know stable, secure housing is critical to achieving positive outcomes for patients and healthier communities in general. HRSN housing assistance is available now. This assistance includes help paying rent, utilities and storage fees, making changes to homes (such as adding ramps or handrails) and more. While the program is not intended to provide emergency assistance, IHN-CCO is committed to working with members to address urgent situations. Your patients may qualify for HRSN housing assistance if they meet the following requirements: They have an IHN-CCO plan that includes medical and behavioral health coverage. They are experiencing one of the following life transitions: Released from a detention center, jail, or prison within the last 12 months. Released from a mental health treatment facility within the last 12 months.Current or past involvement in the Oregon child welfare system. Houseless, or at risk of becoming unhoused. Transitioning from Medicaid-only to dual-enrolled Medicare and Medicaid health plans. They also: Are currently housed with a written agreement or lease. Need support maintaining current housing. Meet the definition of at-risk homelessness. Completed screenings for specific health conditions and risk factors. If you have patients who may be eligible for these housing assistance benefits, direct them to IHNtogether.org/HRSN to learn more and see if they qualify. Climate Supports Climate supports are devices that help keep people safe during climate events. They include air conditioners, heaters, air filters, mini refrigerators and portable power supplies. IHN-CCO patients may be eligible to receive these devices if they: Meet the criteria above qualifying them for HRSN services. Have a health condition that makes climate events challenging or dangerous. Live in a place with electricity. Can use the device safely. Patients who wish to apply for climate supports should contact 211info at 503-468-5375. They can also visit the Oregon Health Authority’s climate support page for more information and complete the Health Related Special Needs Request Form (English). Open card members can call 888-834-4304. If you have additional questions or need more information about these resources, please visit IHNtogether.org/HRSN or call 541-768-7863 to speak to our Customer Service team.
