Oregon to cover health-related climate expenses

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon is set to become the first state in the nation to cover climate change expenses for certain low-income patients under its Medicaid program as the normally temperate Pacific Northwest region sees longer heat waves and more intense wildfires.

The new initiative, slated to take effect in 2024, will cover payment for devices such as air conditioners and air filters for Medicaid members with health conditions who live in an area where an emergency due to extreme weather has been declared by the federal government or the governor's office, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

It aims to help people “dealing with the impact of extreme heat, wildfires and other catastrophes caused by climate change,” OHA director Patrick Allen said.

The measure is part of what the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, described as “groundbreaking Medicaid initiatives" in Oregon and Massachusetts.

The federal agency on Wednesday renewed Medicaid waivers for both states. Those waivers will cover non-medical services such as food and housing assistance for people with clinical needs in a bid to tackle the underlying social issues that can cause poor health.

Oregon will receive $1.1 billion in new federal funding for the new Medicaid initiatives covering climate change, nutrition and housing, described as “health-related social needs” by health officials. The state will pilot the changes over the next five years.

“Health care does not occur in a vacuum—it’s clear that we must look beyond a traditional, siloed approach to truly meet the needs of people, particularly those experiencing complex challenges,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said in a statement.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said his state will...