For Oregon Health Plan members staring down another summer of blistering heat and wildfire smoke, there is a bit of relief on the way: qualified members can get air conditioners and air filtration devices delivered to their homes at no cost.
The benefit is designed for people whose health gets worse in extreme heat or poor air quality, as well as members going through major life changes, such as leaving treatment or dealing with housing instability. State officials rolled out the support as temperatures climb and wildfire smoke becomes more likely across Oregon.
Who Qualifies And What’s Covered
To qualify, most members need both:
- A qualifying living situation, such as a recent discharge from a mental health or substance-use treatment facility, a recent release from incarceration, current or past involvement with the child-welfare system, or being at risk of homelessness
- A health condition that gets worse in extreme heat or poor air quality
Coordinated care organizations, or CCOs, usually approve or deny Home Repair and Supports for Health (HRSN) home-change requests in about two weeks.
The Home Changes for Health benefit can cover air conditioners, heaters, air filtration devices, mini-fridges for medication and portable power supplies, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
How To Request Help
If you are enrolled in a CCO, you will need to contact your coordinated care organization directly and use its HRSN request process.
Members with an OHP Open Card (fee-for-service) have a separate path. They can:
- Call Acentra’s HRSN team at 1-888-834-4304
- Email [email protected]
- Submit a completed Open Card request form
Open Card request forms and instructions are published for OHP members by Acentra. For specific submission details, members are directed to the request form and related guidance from Acentra Health.
Why This Matters Now
Public-health officials warn that heatwaves and wildfire smoke can quickly make chronic conditions like heart and lung disease much worse, and that access to cooling and cleaner indoor air can be lifesaving for vulnerable people.
The Oregon Health Authority has urged residents to get ready for dangerous heat and has highlighted both general cooling resources and HRSN supports available to Oregon Health Plan members.
Other Ways To Stay Cool
Not everyone will qualify for an HRSN-funded device, but there are backup options. County and nonprofit cooling centers can provide immediate relief during heat events. People can dial 211 or check their county’s website for cooling-center hours and available transportation options.
Local cool-space directories and emergency heat guidance are available from county sites and 211info, according to Multnomah County.
What To Expect After You Apply
If a device is approved, HRSN vendors typically set up delivery and, when needed, installation at the member’s home. The exact timing can vary depending on the member’s plan and the vendor, according to guidance from Acentra Health.
The Oregon Health Authority has also promoted the program on social media, noting that devices will be delivered directly to a member’s home if that person qualifies and is approved. The agency’s announcement can be found on its page on Facebook.
