What are social needs?
From a health care perspective, social needs include things like:
- having enough food
- reliable transportation
- a stable place to live
- education
- friends to support you
- access to water and electricity
When you don't have enough of these things, it can harm both your body and mind. For example, if you can't go to your doctor, can't get fresh food, or your utilities are shut off, it can make life very stressful and hurt your physical health.
But when you do have what you need, like food and a safe place to live, it can help you stay healthy and feel better overall.
Meeting these social needs is really important for your mental and emotional health too. It helps you build good relationships and be part of your community. These things can make a big difference in how happy and connected you feel in society.
What are your needs?
Select a category below to learn more about how you can request items or services to support your total health.
What’s the difference between HRSN and Flexible Services?
There are two ways you may be able to get the social needs supports described above. When you submit your request, CareOregon will review it to decide whether it meets eligibility criteria for Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) or Flexible Services based on your information.
Health Related Social Needs (HRSN)
- HRSN is a newer Medicaid benefit for members on the Oregon Health Plan.
- This benefit provides specific climate, housing and nutrition items/services.
- Eligibility is decided by a qualifying health condition, a major life transition and/or criteria set by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
Flexible Services
- Flexible Services is an existing Medicaid program that helps fill a need that regular Oregon Health Plan benefits don’t cover.
- It provides a range of services or items.
- Eligibility is decided for each person based on their health and treatment plan.
