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Who Can Receive an Oregon Health Plan?

The Oregon Health Plan was implemented in 1993 to provide low-income Oregonians better access to health care. There are a number of eligibility criteria, and OHP benefits are based upon amount of need. Different plans exist for different need levels.

  1. Eligibility

    • There are a number of ways one can be eligible for OHP benefits. The two main factors that affect eligibility are income and disability. Households that are below the federal poverty level are most eligible. If you have a disability that prohibits your ability to work, you are eligible for OHP benefits. However, you can still receive OHP benefits even if you are above the poverty level and aren't disabled.

    Premiums and Co-pays

    • Even if you qualify for OHP benefits, you may still have to pay premiums and co-payments. However, if you're younger than 19, a Native American, receiving Social Security insurance, are pregnant, over 65 or blind, you may not have to pay a premium.

    Application

    • Applying is done at a local DHS office or completed online (see Resources below). Documentation is required for verifying your identity: a driver's license, proof of citizenship (birth certificate) and social security card.

    Other Types of Low-Cost Plans

    • A person who's denied OHP benefits has other options for health care. Medicaid, the Family Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Oregon Medical Insurance Pool are all resources for health care assistance.

    Additional Info

    • As of 2008, OHP was distributed by lottery, with applicants awarded benefits at random. For a homeless person, a mailing address is required in order to receive important benefits information.

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