Natasha Mendoza
503-288-0033

The Oregon Department of Human Services and the newly-formed Oregon Health Authority want low-income Oregonians to know that that they have the opportunity for to get on the Oregon Health Plan, which had its funding increased last legislative session to cover an additional 35,000 low-income adults. However, DHS estimates there are approximately 140,000 Oregonians whose incomes would qualify them for this coverage.

“Although OHP cannot help everyone who needs it, we’re happy that the list is open and more people will be able to get the health care they need,” said Carole Romm, director of community partnerships and strategic development for DHS.

The state is trying to keep access equitable, so anyone who contacts the state will be added to the OHP reservation list. This reservation list will be the source of monthly drawings for health care coverage. People who qualify and whose names are drawn will be able to join the OHP Standard insurance coverage.

To add your name to the list, visit www.oregon.gov/DHS/open or call 1-800-699-9075.

You can also go to a local DHS office, local county health departments, most hospitals and health care clinics to request a reservation packet.

The next drawing from the current list of names will be Feb. 1. Drawings will be held on a regular basis until all funded health care coverage spots are filled. Once a person’s name is drawn, he or she will be sent an application to apply for the health plan. Eligibility is based on strict income limits of less than the federal poverty level. This is based on the number of people in a household.

The OHP is part of the new OHA. The OHA is the central location for publicly purchased health care in Oregon. The agency, created during the last legislative session, aims to lower costs for everyone in the health care system while increasing access to care and improving the quality of care. As part of the reform efforts, the 2009 Legislature also passed health care funding for all Oregon children.