Is there a way to get numeric identifier for axes objects that I can pass on to plot() and cla()?

Is there a way to get numeric identifier for axes objects that I can pass on to plot() and cla()?

I used to use Matlab2014 and there subplot() returns a number like 2.2345 called figure handle. The handle can then be used as a parent for plot(...,'parent',2.2345). The issue is that subplot in Matlab2020 returns an object as figure handle which now breaks my code because I was passing the figure handles to Simulink. I don't think it is possible to pass the object figure handle to Simulink. Is there any work arround to get and use the numeric handle so that I can get on with my work instead of spending weeks rewriting code. Has Mathworks described this change anywhere that I can read?