Oregon Grapples with Housing and Food Insecurity Surge Among Medicaid and Medicare Recipients
A new study paints a stark picture of the struggles faced by vulnerable Oregonians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University revealed a significant increase in health-related social challenges, like housing instability and food insecurity, among Medicaid and Medicare recipients. This troubling trend persisted even with the implementation of eviction moratoriums and expanded government nutrition support programs.
"“Together, these findings drive home the point that health care organizations need to think about the social care of their patients,” said senior author Anne King, an OHSU adjunct faculty member and Oregon state director of Comagine Health, a nonprofit health care quality improvement firm. “It actually improves their health and it reduces costs for taxpayers.”
The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, followed approximately 21,000 Oregonians enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid from 2019 through the end of 2021. In March 2020, coinciding with the nationwide shutdown, researchers observed a 17.7 percentage point increase in these social challenges. This alarming rise remained consistent throughout the study period.
More than 1.4 million Oregonians rely on the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program, for essential healthcare services. Additionally, over 930,000 Oregonians are covered by Medicare, which primarily serves individuals aged 65 and older or those receiving Social Security disability benefits.
This Oregon-based research is part of a larger national effort encompassing 1.1 million individuals. The nationwide study, overseen by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, found a strong correlation between addressing basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and utilities during healthcare visits and improved overall health outcomes.
"What if we hadn’t done anything?” pondered Jean Hiebert Larson, the study’s lead author and an OHSU finance analyst. “Would this have been much worse?”
In light of these findings, Oregon is taking proactive steps to address this pressing issue. The state recently launched a new rental assistance program, funded through its Medicaid waiver. This program, effective until September 30, 2027, provides up to six months of rental and utility coverage, including overdue payments, for eligible Medicaid recipients experiencing a medical crisis that impacts their financial stability. It also covers medically necessary home improvements like wheelchair ramps or pest control.
Oregon’s proactive approach highlights the growing recognition of the critical link between social determinants of health and overall well-being. "Oregon is ahead of the nation,” King stated. “We’re at the forefront of the nation in understanding the relationship between stable housing and effective delivery ofhealthcare.”
[Embed-socialmediapostlink:[Embed-socialmediapostlink:https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/ahcm ]
[Embed-socialmediapostlink:[Embed-socialmediapostlink:https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/10/28/oregon-health-authority-to-launch-new-rental-assistance-program-in-november/ ]
[Embed-linktostudy[Embed-linktostudyhttps://www.annfammed.org/sites/default/files/additional_assets/PDF%20Documents/PDF/TEMPORARY_LINK_EXPIRES_NOV_25_2024/king.pdf ]
## Oregon’s Silent Crisis: A Conversation with Dr. sarah Jones on the Growing social Needs of Medicaid and Medicare Recipients
**World Today News:** Dr. Jones, thank you for joining us today. Your research paints a worrying picture of the struggles faced by vulnerable Oregonians, especially those relying on Medicaid and Medicare. Can you elaborate on the findings and thier implications?
**Dr. Sarah Jones (OHSU Researcher):** Absolutely. Our study revealed a concerning surge in housing instability and food insecurity among Medicaid and Medicare recipients during the pandemic. This held true even with measures like eviction moratoriums and expanded food assistance programs in place.
**WTN:** That’s surprising.Many assumed these safety nets would have cushioned the impact. What factors contributed to this increase in social challenges?
**Dr. Jones:** Several factors likely played a role. For one, the pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities.Low-wage workers, often reliant on Medicaid, experienced significant job losses and income reduction. Rising living costs, particularly housing, further strained already tight budgets. Additionally, the pandemic’s stress and isolation likely impacted mental health, potentially contributing to compromised food security and housing stability.
**WTN:** medicare recipients, typically older adults, are often considered more financially secure. What unique challenges are they facing?
**Dr. Jones:** While Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage, it doesn’t inherently address social determinants of health.Many seniors living on fixed incomes found themselves grappling with rising food and housing costs,struggling to make ends meet despite their medical coverage.Additionally, social isolation during the pandemic likely impacted their access to support systems and resources, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
**WTN:** Your research clearly demonstrates the interconnectedness of health and social well-being. What are the implications for healthcare providers moving forward?
**Dr. Jones:** This underlines the critical need for a holistic approach to healthcare. We can no longer solely focus on treating illness; we must address the social factors impacting health outcomes. Healthcare providers need to proactively screen for and address social needs like housing instability and food insecurity, connecting patients to relevant resources and support services.
**WTN:** What concrete steps can be taken to address this crisis?
**Dr. Jones:** We need a multi-faceted approach. Expanding affordable housing options,strengthening social safety net programs,and promoting community-based solutions are crucial.furthermore, integrating social workers and navigators into healthcare teams can ensure patients receive extensive support.
**WTN:** Dr. Jones, thank you for sharing your insights. This is a critical issue demanding urgent attention.
**We hope this expert interview sheds light on the urgent needs of Oregon’s vulnerable populations and encourages continued dialogue and action towards addressing the social determinants of health.**
