September 29, 202 3:20 a.m.

On Wednesday, Governor Kate Brown joined the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to announce that Oregon will receive $1.1 billion in new federal funds to address health-related social needs of Oregonians through the federal approval to pilot first-in-the-nation changes to the state’s Medicaid program.

A release, said under the new Medicaid waiver, Oregon is the first state to receive federal approval for continuous health coverage for children under six years old. Additionally, all Oregon Health Plan members aged six and older will have two years of continuous OHP enrollment, ensuring continuous coverage and consistent access to health, dental and behavioral health care. The release said the waiver will also expand health-related social needs coverage for certain food assistance and housing support – as well as invest in resources that will help mitigate the health risks of climate change. This means Oregon will be the first state in the country to use Medicaid funding for climate-related health needs.