Nutrition, economic assistance and other COVID-19 resources
A roundup of federal, state and local resources, as well as links to information from reputable national and global experts.
You’ve likely heard the phrase “We’re in this together” about the importance of supporting one another during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following is a rundown of federal, state and local resources for those in need.
When it comes to managing your health through COVID, please refer to the following reputable links from the national and global experts, along with your own state’s public health authority:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization
- Oregon Health Authority
- Washington State Department of Health
- Utah Department of Health
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Additionally, regence.com has useful guidance for members about accessing health care, updated benefits and coverage information, and more. If you have health insurance, your insurer’s website should be the first place to look for information about your coverage.
Economic Assistance
Economic assistance can be sought through federal, state and local agencies, social services and nonprofits. Find help is an online platform that compiles all of those assistance programs in one searchable database. From accessing emergency food assistance; help with paying utilities, housing and childcare bills; to job placement, transportation, legal services and more, the platform is free and easy to use.
Additionally, UnitedWay has partnered with 211.org to offer a similar free platform for helping people of all ages and communities connect with social services and community resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Available resources include food, housing, income, transportation, health & prescriptions, and disaster support. Here are the links:
- Oregon & SW Washington - 211info.org/
- Washington – wa211.org/
- Utah – 211utah.org
- Idaho – 211.idaho.gov
Nutrition Assistance
There are numerous state and community-based nutrition assistance programs serving throughout our Regence footprint. Here are links to the most well-known resources:
Oregon
Washington
Utah
Idaho
Employment
For employment services and filing unemployment claims, please contact your state’s department of employment:
- State of Oregon Employment Department
- Washington State Employment Security Department
- Utah Department of Workforce Services
- Idaho Department of Labor
Job loss and health insurance coverage: Each state offers a different approach to helping those who have lost their jobs find health insurance coverage. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for coverage under COBRA, Medicaid expansion, or a special enrollment period via a health insurance exchange. Healthcare.gov is a useful national website that will provide you a comprehensive overview of available options, but visit your state’s resources at one of the links below to be sure you’re exploring plans that are available in your area:
Oregon
- Oregon Health Authority (OHA): Job loss and health insurance coverage;
- OHA: Guide to getting health care coverage in Oregon
Washington
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC): What if I’ve lost my health insurance coverage?
- Affordable Care Act Plans: HealthFinderWashington.org
Utah
- Utah Department of Health: Medicaid eligibility
Idaho
- YourHealthIdaho.org: Loss of Coverage and Special Enrollment Period
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Medicaid expansion
We’ll be updating these lists as more resources become available, so please bookmark this page and check back here often. Thank you, be safe, and remember that we’re all in this together.