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Oregon Health Authority reports early success and capacity strain for Medicaid rent and utility benefit
Summary
OHA told lawmakers the state's HRSN rent‑and‑utility Medicaid benefit has processed thousands of requests since its Nov. 2024 launch, with over 7,300 approvals and nearly 4,500 members served through June 30, 2025, but implementation faces delays in denser regions due to provider capacity and Medicaid billing workflows.
The Oregon Health Authority briefed the committee on the Health‑Related Social Needs rent and utility benefit launched under the 11‑15 OHP waiver on Nov. 1, 2024.
Amanda Peden, who manages Social Health Needs and Analytics at OHA, said the available member‑level data through June 30, 2025 show more than 12,800 members requested the rent/utility benefit; 7,310 met eligibility and were approved; and nearly 4,500 OHP members had received the benefit in that period. Peden said county rates indicate particularly high relative use in some Northeastern and Southwest coastal counties, and that initial reports from Wheeler County showing zero claims were later updated with…
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