Climate benefits: OHA distributes more than 10,000 air conditioners, air filters during this year’s extreme weather

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon residents at risk from heat and wildfire smoke-related health issues had more ways to receive air conditioners, air filters and other devices this year. Oregon Health Authority distributed more than 10,000 devices ahead of and during 2024’s extreme summer weather events through new Oregon Health Plan climate benefits and the Air Conditioner and Air Filter program.

“Oregon is leading the way when it comes to mitigating climate change’s health harms, especially on our most vulnerable communities,” said Emma Sandoe, Medicaid Director at OHA. “Through collaboration and innovation, we’re finding new ways for Oregon residents to receive life-saving devices so they can stay healthy in their homes during heat and poor air quality events.”

Devices have been needed as the state experienced historic heat waves over the summer, and wildfires have been active in Oregon for five consecutive months and counting.

Though all individuals are vulnerable to the health impacts of extreme weather events, OHA’s “Climate and Health in Oregon 2023 Report” shows that certain communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change.

Given the lack of access to or high cost of cooling devices, people with lower incomes and chronic conditions are among those most likely to experience heat exhaustion, heat stroke or other health conditions.

Both the new OHP climate benefits and the Air Conditioner and Air Filter program align with OHA’s goals to eliminate health inequities by 2030. OHA’s goals are to reduce:

• Heat-related illnesses by 50%
• Heat-related hospitalizations by 60%
• Heat-related deaths by 70%
• Respiratory ER and urgent care visits by 20%

In March, OHA launched the first-in-the-nation Medicaid climate benefits to reduce health inequities and provide a way for eligible OHP members to proactively request devices.

Preliminary data highlights that in the first six months, with support from Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations, OHA distributed almost 6,000 devices to eligible members experiencing specific health conditions and life transitions.

OHA’s analysis of the first four months of data shows that 65% of members who received a device were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. An updated report on the OHP climate benefits will be available in early 2025.

With one-time funding from the state legislature, OHA’s Air Conditioner and Air Filter program purchased and distributed 4,400 air conditioners and 1,200 air filter devices from July through September.

The Oregon Department of Human Services, including the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, partners with OHA to distribute devices directly to eligible individuals or to community-based organizations, county health clinics and the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon to deliver in anticipation of heat events or emergency declarations.

Air filter devices were prioritized for counties that have historically had the highest number of days with poor air quality and counties actively experiencing wildfire smoke events.

OHP members interested in receiving devices under the new OHP climate benefits can contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) year-round to learn more. If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com.

To learn more about either of these efforts, visit the Air Conditioner and Air Filter Program web page or the OHP climate benefits web page.