Health Related Services can help pay for different kinds of social needs supports for members who qualify.

If you need help with something that supports your health and it’s not covered by any other benefit, you can ask for it here.

Examples of other supports covered

Here are some common examples of things we may be able to help with.

This list doesn’t include everything. If you need something for your health, just ask and we'll consider it.

• Sensory support items or tools (like weighted blankets, sleep aids, or yoga class vouchers)
• Exercise equipment and gym memberships
• Electronics, such as laptops and communication devices
• Child and safety items
• Educational materials or classes
• Camp enrollment
• Public transit passes or gas cards

For more examples see the Social Needs Assistance Guidelines below.

What we cannot cover (exclusions)

The following supports and services are not covered:

• Reimbursement requests (money paid back to you)
• Items and services already covered by your health plan, such as:  
  • Copayments
  • Out-of-network or private provider payments
  • Partial payments for medical services
  • Durable medical equipment (DME)
    • If you get a bill for medical services, please call Customer Service
• Credit card bills or loans
• Mortgage payments
• Fees (pet fees, legal fees, collection, guardianship, etc.)
• Long-term payments for caregivers or other hired supports
• Payment for non-members
  • Such as paying for a friend or family member’s utilities or buying them an air conditioner
    (if they don’t live with you)
• Costs for building new physical structures
• General nutritional supplements

Am I eligible for social needs support?

To qualify for a social needs support, all of these must be true:

• You must be a current member
• You cannot get the item or service through any other benefit or program
• The item or service must help with your health or life situation 

Not every request can be approved. Our team reviews each request carefully and makes the final decision.

For more details, see the Social Needs Assistance Guidelines below.

• English
• Spanish
• Arabic
• Dari
• Traditional Chinese
• Simplified Chinese
• Russian
• Somali
• Vietnamese

If you prefer, you can download and fill out the Flexible Services Form (PDF) instead.

Also, you will need to download and fill out the Health Related Income/Budget Worksheet and submit it with your request. You can find this document below in the language of your choice.

You can fill out either form yourself, or with the help of a parent, a caregiver, trusted friend, guardian or a staff member from an organization or clinic.

If you have questions or would like our help filling out the forms, call CareOregon Customer Service. Press option 1 for "member," then select option 6 for "social needs."

Send your request form to CareOregon Customer Service by one of the following:

• Email: hrsncx@careoregon.org
• Fax: 503-416-1376
• Member portal

Documents related to your request should be uploaded in advance. They can be emailed to hrsncx@careoregon.org or uploaded to the member portal.

Uploading documents using the member portal

1. Go to the message center and click "new message"
2. Click "add recipients" and select "Health Related Services Requests"
3. Add “HRSN” in the subject line and attach the file(s) to the message using the attach file feature
4. Add any other context and click "send"

More help for social needs assistance

If you don’t qualify for CareOregon’s Health Related Services, there are other community programs that may be able to help.

• Medical transportation: Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
• Discounted car repairs: Oregon's Car Care Program or Self-Sufficiency Grants
• Pet assistance: Multnomah County Animal Services
• Discounted phone or internet: Oregon Lifeline program
• Utility assistance: Oregon Energy Assistance Program or call 211
• Furniture: Community Warehouse
• Home repairs: Home Repair and Home Ownership Retention Services
• Bikes: Bike Farm or Bikes for Humanity PDX