According to CBS News, Oregon is doing something new to help people stay safe from extreme weather. They’re using Medicaid investment money to give things like air conditioners and air purifiers to people who might need them. This is the first time any state has used Medicaid investment money for this kind of thing. They want to help people get ready for bad weather before it happens so they don’t get sick.
The plan is to give equipment to people who might have a hard time during extreme weather. This includes people with health issues that could get worse because of the heat or smoke from wildfires. They’re giving out things like air conditioners to keep cool, mini fridges for storing medicine, and air filters for cleaner air. Oregon hopes this will stop people from needing to go to the hospital during bad weather and make sure they stay healthy. Other states are watching Oregon to see if this idea of Medicaid investment works. If it does they might try it too. By getting ready for bad weather early, Oregon hopes to keep people safe and save money on medical bills.
READ ALSO: Surge In Earned Wage Access Users: Are Modern Quick-Money Apps Becoming A Debt Trap
Furthermore, Oregon’s Medicaid investment plan shows how important it is to deal with health problems caused by climate change. By giving out helpful stuff before bad weather hits Oregon wants to keep people from getting sick and needing to go to the hospital. This could help other states figure out how to keep their residents safe too, especially as climate change keeps causing more problems.