FEATURE STORY
Updates to Housing and Utility Support
As of November 1, 2025, the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) program now requires all documents to be included with each request for rent or utility support. This includes a signed lease and proof of income. Requests cannot be processed without these items.
If any information is missing, the request will be dismissed. We will notify you if this happens. You may submit a new request once all documents are ready.
UCAN, NeighborWorks Umpqua and Peace at Home can help you collect paperwork and apply. These steps help reduce denials and shorten processing time for complete requests.
Changes Coming in January 2026
In January 2026, the Oregon Health Authority will update the medical rules for HRSN benefits. Only members with certain serious medical conditions will qualify. Members without these conditions may no longer qualify for HRSN services.
If you have questions about documents or eligibility, contact your care coordinator. They can explain what is required and help you get started.
PROGRAMS & BENEFITS
Updates to Flex Transportation Benefits
As of October 1, 2025, Umpqua Health Alliance updated the Flex Transportation benefit under the Bay Cities Brokerage (BCB) contract.
Members who qualify now receive a monthly bus pass instead of per-trip Flex rides. The pass provides unlimited rides for the month. You may qualify if you have three or more covered trips in a month. BCB will notify members who qualify. Passes may be mailed or picked up through Umpqua Transit.
High-cost nonmedical rides are no longer covered. This includes rides to Chadwick House, gyms, in-person weight loss programs, Lamaze classes and equine therapy. Mileage is not reimbursed unless approved by UHA Utilization Management.
Nonemergent medical transportation (NEMT) through BCB has not changed and still covers approved medical visits.
Covered Flex Trips
- One pharmacy trip per month
- Up to two grocery trips when combined with a medical visit
- Scheduled DHS or WIC visits (documentation required)
- Scheduled self-help or recovery group meetings (documentation required)
- UHA Community Advisory Council or UHA-sponsored health meetings (documentation required)
For questions about covered trips or bus passes, contact BCB or your care coordinator.
Find Free Local Food Resources
If you or your family need help getting food, many groups in our area can help. Umpqua Health Alliance has created a Food Resource page to make it easier to find support.
The page includes free food pantries, hot meal sites, grocery programs and local partners that offer food boxes or produce. Many do not require sign-ups or paperwork.
What You Can Find
- Food pantries open to the public
- Free or low-cost meal sites
- Produce and grocery pick-up programs
- Help from UCAN, the Food Bank and other local partners
How It Helps
The Food Resource page is updated as programs change. It is designed to support members throughout the year.
Access the Resource Page
If you need help today, contact your care coordinator for support
Support for Preventing Diabetes
Whether you’re living with diabetes or trying to avoid it, making healthy changes can take time. These free programs can help you build new habits, lower your risk and take control of your health.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Many people are at risk for Type 2 diabetes and may not know it. Making small changes and getting support early can help you stay healthy.
Cow Creek offers free Healthy Living resources to help Umpqua Health Alliance members improve their health. These classes and groups support healthy habits that can lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes and improve overall well-being.
Kitchen Spa Demonstration
Cow Creek will host a free Kitchen Spa demonstration on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Healthy Teaching Kitchen on the Roseburg Campus at 2589 NW Edenbower Blvd.
During this event, Dr. April Gilliom will show how simple foods can be used in skin care recipes, such as face masks, foot soaks and scalp scrubs. The class offers time to relax while learning healthy practices that support diabetes prevention. Food samples, recipes and small gifts are included.
Registration is required.
RSVP at 541-672-8533, then press #2 for Roseburg.
Walking Group
Cow Creek hosts a free walking group at Millsite Park in Myrtle Creek. The group meets at the covered bridge at the southeast end of the park on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m.
The walking group offers:
- Light movement that supports healthy blood sugar
- A chance to meet others and build community
- Time outdoors in a local park
- Opportunities to speak with a registered dietitian during the walk
Everyone is welcome.
Diabetes Prevention Program
Starting January 15, Cow Creek will offer a Diabetes Prevention Program at 12 p.m. at the Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center South Clinic in Canyonville.
The program includes:
- Supportive groups led by Certified Lifestyle Coaches
- A proven program designed to help prevent Type 2 diabetes
- Cooking demonstrations and recipe samples
- Simple lifestyle strategies that support long-term health
INCENTIVES AND REMINDERS
Medicaid Will Stop Covering Xifaxan
On October 1, 2025, Medicaid stopped covering the medicine Xifaxan (rifaximin). Members who take this medicine may need to take action to continue treatment.
Your doctor, pharmacy team or care coordinator can help you understand your options and plan next steps.
What You Can Do
Talk with your doctor or care coordinator about this change.
Ask if you qualify for the Xifaxan Patient Assistance Program, which may offer the medicine at no cost to eligible patients.
Learn more or apply at bauschhealthpap.com.
For questions about your prescription, email UHPharmacyServices@UmpquaHealth.com.
Protect Your Child from HPV Cancers
HPV is a common virus spread through close skin contact. It often goes away on its own. Sometimes it can cause cancers such as cervical, throat and anal cancer. It can also cause genital warts.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of the virus that cause most HPV cancers. It is safe, long-lasting and recommended by major health organizations.
When Children Should Get the Vaccine
Doctors recommend the vaccine at ages 11–12. Children can start as early as age 9.
- If the first dose is given before age 15: two doses, 6–12 months apart.
- If the first dose is given at 15 or older: three doses.
People up to age 26 can still get the vaccine.
Vaccine Safety
The vaccine has been carefully tested and monitored. It does not affect fertility. It is a routine vaccine recommended to prevent several types of cancer.
To learn more, visit:
Ask your child’s doctor or nurse about getting the HPV vaccine at their next visit.