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Oregon Medicaid Eligibility

Not everyone can avoid the high costs associated with private health insurance. Fortunately, through Medicaid, low-income families and certain individuals can receive health care coverage. Although Medicaid is a federal program, each state has its own criteria for eligibility. In Oregon, the Medicaid program is referred to as Oregon Health Plan (OHP). OHP is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services.

  1. Citizenship and Residency

    • Applicants must reside in Oregon to be eligible for OHP. You must also be a United States citizen or legal immigrant. Illegal aliens are eligible only on an emergency basis. Proper documentation to support citizenship and identity is required for all household members applying. You can submit a government issued identification card, certified copy of birth certificate, Social Security card or naturalization documents.

    Eligibility Groups

    • In Oregon, there are different types of OHP programs. The OHP Plus Program is the traditional Medicaid program. It is open to pregnant women, children under the age of 19, parents or legal guardians of children, the elderly, blind, disabled or those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. Residents over the age of 19 and not pregnant, who exceed the income requirements for OHP Plus, may qualify for low-cost coverage through the OHP Standard Program.

    Income

    • People who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families are automatically approved for Medicaid assistance. The income limit is 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Your gross monthly income is compared to the FPL based on household size. For example, in 2011, a single person cannot exceed an annual income of $21,780. All sources of income, both earned and unearned, are used to determine your total income.

    Countable Assets

    • Your countable assets cannot exceed $2,000. A couple or family is limited to $3,000 in assets. Not all assets are classified as countable. Your home, primary vehicle, personal possessions and limited funeral and burial expenses are not counted. Liquid assets, including cash, stocks, bonds, bank accounts and real estate are included in the resource limit.

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