HEALTHCARE DEADLINES APPROACHING

Graphic by Kevin De La Garcia / the Advocate

Medicaid in Oregon is a federally backed program, also known as the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), which offers health coverage to some low-income families.

And for those not enrolled, an important deadline is approaching on Saturday, Dec. 15. This is the last day to enroll or change plans for 2019 coverage with the federal Medicaid plan, found on healthcare.gov. Once an applicant is enrolled, personal coverage starts on Jan. 1, 2019.

Applications for health insurance in the state of Oregon can be done online by searching ONE.Oregon.gov. Applicants must meet income and residency requirements, and may qualify based on age and/or disability status.

Benefits provided by OHP include, but are not limited to: dental care, mental health care, hospital care, home care, immunizations, medical care from a physician, access to a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, and more.

If you or your family is covered by the Oregon Health Plan your application must be renewed once a year. However, not everyone will renew at the same time. All members must update their information to make sure they are still eligible for coverage.

If you or your family changes addresses or its household size, has a change of income, obtains a job that offers health insurance, you should contact OHP and update your current status.

This is very important. To update your information, call 800-699-9075 or send an email to [email protected].

OHP will send a letter requesting a renewal, along with the necessary steps to do so. If you receive a letter, you must respond as soon as possible, as your benefits are likely to end if OHP is not contacted.

For help renewing your application, you can either contact an agent by looking up the following link or by calling 800-699-9075. Additional information regarding OHP can be found at OHP.oregon.gov.

Advocate Staff