If you have medicaid, you hold in your possession a magical card with many benefits. Not only do you have the opportunity to see naturopathic doctors, doctors of osteopathy, physical therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, therapists, and more! (I mean, whoa, you can have an entire care team!) You also have access to discounted or even free stuff!
First off, if you have medicaid, there are different types of health plans. To keep it simple, the one that is called Care Oregon (see if it's on the back of your card under Physical Health Plan), will allow you to see naturopathic doctors. You will also have the ability to self-refer and see a specialist without a referral. You have access to OHSU, Providence, and Legacy. If you have a plan that is connected to a hospital, for example, if it says Providence on your card, then you are restricted. Every large institution wants to be a part of Care Oregon, because they get more patients, but that doesn't mean it's better. Choose Care Oregon if you'd like to work with us or any other ND who takes medicaid in Oregon. It's easy to do. Call the number on the back of the card!
If you qualify for medicaid, then you may qualify for food stamps called SNAP. SNAP's requirements for qualification are tighter and you have to make very little money to qualify. But, if you do have SNAP, here is a benny that will perk your ears! Double up food bucks! Yes!!! If you spend 20 bucks at a farmers market, they will give you for free 20 more bucks to spend on vegetables! At participating grocery stores, it's up to 10 bucks. And you can even do this through a CSA! Not only are you doing yourself a favor by getting free delicious nutrient dense organic food, you are supporting local farms.
SNAP benefits include Arts for All, giving you a steep discount (only 5 dollar entry) to various shows and exhibits; such as, OMSI, Oregon Symphony, Japanese Garden, and one of my favorites, The Artist Repertory Theater. What is life without art?! Side note: The Artist Repertory theater is now offering BIPOC NIGHTS, dedicating performances in every production to patrons who identify Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC). Tickets for these performances are Choose Your Own Ticket Price. Wow!
I'm really excited about this next benefit: BIKETOWN FOR ALL. You can ride those orange electric Nike bikes for free, an hour a day! And you get 25% off a Nutcase helmet. They are pretty nice. Riding these bikes are so dang fun! It's a game changer. If you ride the Trimet, sign up for Honored Citizen Fare, which provides you with half-off rides, free after spending over 28 dollars in a month.
Now let's talk internet. Take full advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program, historically called the Emergency Broadband Benefit, and receive $30 toward your internet bill. If you are on tribal land, you receive up to $75. Sign up! If you choose to rent your modem and router, you will end up paying more over time. Consider purchasing or checking if your neighbors have free stuff. ACP also offers a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
To Sum:
SNAP - Double Up Food Bucks
Arts for All
Biketown For All
Honored Citizen fare
Affordable Connectivity Program
What are some benefits you found? Share them and I will add to this list!