June 2024 Newsletter

Gala success!

Project Access NOW recently held a its annual fundraising gala, bringing in more than $100K for health equity in the region and selling out our tickets! We are very proud of the many partner organizations, community-based organizations, elected officials, and community members in the room. If you missed the event, you can make a contribution on our website here.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Adventist Health, Legacy Health, Kaiser Permanente, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Providence Health & Services, The Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Health Care, CareOregon, OnPoint Community Credit Union, PacificSource Health Plans, Pacific West Bank, Trillium Community Health Plan, and Washington County Health and Human Services.

Be sure to join us next year!

Photos by Zim Zimmerman and Anne Parmeter

Adriana's Story - How PANOW supports across a variety of needs

It was an honor to feature Adriana and Tomas' story at our 2024 annual gala, highlighting the importance of health care access and culturally-responsive community organizations like Project Access NOW able to respond to a range of circumstances. As we continue to evolve, PANOW is dedicated to filling gaps for underserved communities wherever they might exist.

Video by: https://bakerpoulshock.com

PANOW Policy and Advocacy Updates

The PANOW team is proud to be involved in a range of state-wide leadership initiatives, advising on state-level policy decisions that have an impact on our region and clients.

Oregon Homelessness Response Framework

Governor Kotek's office recently released the Oregon Homelessness Response Framework, and PANOW had the opportunity to provide feedback (which can be found here).

Our feedback focused on supporting CBOs and service providers with a demonstrated connection to priority populations in doing the critical work of addressing homelessness in our state.

Proposed Rates for the 1115 Waiver Services 

The Oregon Health Authority announced their proposed rates for the services included in the new 1115 Medicaid Waiver's Health Related Social Needs benefits (including housing, nutrition, climate, and outreach & engagement).

PANOW shared feedback on these rates to ensure appropriate reimbursement for service providers is secured, citing relevant data from our Community Assistance Program which coordinates payment for many services included in the benefit such as hotel stays and nutrition assistance.

You can find our feedback here.

Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board

Project Access NOW recently joined 15 other patient advocate organizations in a collaborative letter to share their concerns about a lack of patient representation and input on the Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

OHP Bridge

Oregon is launching OHP Bridge (formerly the Basic Health Program) on July 1st for individuals who meet eligibility requirements and fall in the income range of 138-200% of the federal poverty level. PANOW is preparing for this launch and will be assisting individuals in transferring their coverage and understanding their new benefits.

If you or someone you know thinks they may be eligible for the new program, learn more about how to contact our assistance team here. 

Do you or a family member have Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits? If you do, you need to take action to protect your medical benefits. Renewal letters are going out now.

Here is what you need to do:

· Make sure your address is up to date. You can update on your own or get free help. You can do this online, by phone, or in person.

· Check your mail for renewal letters. When they come, do what they ask right away.

Our Insurance Enrollment and Payment Support team is here to help! Contact by phone at 503-354-7031 or by email at oea@projectaccessnow.org for assistance.

Feedback Survey

Have you received services from Project Access NOW. Please consider sharing your experience with us! Your feedback not only improves our services but helps others find our services and get help.

You may also call (503) 345-6553 x 3008 to leave a message.

Take the survey here.

www.projectaccessnow.org/client-survey

"My experience was the best. They are extremely kind, responsible people, completely willing to help those who need it most which is a great help for us. All the people are very friendly and very professional."

-Ana, Insurance Enrollment client

Sincerely,

Carly Hood-Ronick, MPA, MPH

President and CEO