MEDFORD, Ore.—Jackson Care Connect’s free mobile phones program has changed to meet the way its members now communicate.
“With 56 percent of US adults using smart phones, we recognize this as the best way to connect our members to health. Nearly half of adults ages 18-29 use their phone as their primary access to the Internet, and those numbers are much higher for people of color,” said Jennifer Lind, CEO of Jackson Care Connect.
For several years, Jackson Care Connect has helped its members, recipients of the Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid, access the federal free-phone program. The original service provided simple cell phones without Internet access. Beginning July 17, Jackson Care Connect’s new program will connect members to free smart phones with free unlimited texting, 350 free voice minutes/month, 500 MB free data/month and free unlimited calls to Jackson Care Connect’s customer service.
“Being healthy isn’t only about doctor visits,” said Lind. “Members will be able to call their doctor and health care providers, but they will also have the Internet access they need to job hunt, seek housing, apply for the Oregon Health Plan or SNAP benefits, and even stay in touch with their personal network. These are all as important a part of their overall health as calling or going online to make a doctor’s appointment.”
To help make the smart phone program easily available to its members, Jackson Care Connect’s parent company CareOregon contracted with Assurance Wireless, which is supported by the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program. The contract includes all partner organizations in the CareOregon Medicaid family, including members of Jackson Care Connect, Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization, CareOregon Advantage Plus and the Health Share members assigned to CareOregon in the metro tri-county area. All eligible members will be sent an application and letter from Assurance Wireless in the next few weeks.
A telecommunications fee levied by the federal government funds this program. People who qualify for Medicaid and some other special federal programs meet the income requirements for Assurance Wireless. Most members who already use the Oregon Lifeline telephone assistance program will not receive notification because it is limited to one phone per household. However, it is possible to switch programs to be able to use the free access to Jackson Care Connect Customer Service.
Members should wait to receive the letter from Assurance Wireless and follow the letter’s instructions on how to apply. No one will call members to ask that they sign up.
To apply, go to lifelineapply.com/careoregon.
For more information about this program, please call 503-416-1479 or [email protected].
About Jackson Care Connect
Jackson Care Connect serves the people of Jackson County as an Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) Coordinated Care Organization. We bring physical, behavioral and oral health care together, to make it easier for members to get the care they need. Our mission is to help members of our community prevent illness and respond effectively to health issues. We partner with other organizations to explore innovative projects that promote a healthy Jackson County. We partner with clinical and community organizations to connect members with appropriate whole person care.
