What if I am not a US citizen? 
If you are not a U.S citizen or do not meet citizenship requirements (being an eligible non-U.S. citizen for at least 5 years) set forth by the State of Oregon,
you will not be eligible for the OHP. If however you meet all eligibility requirements for the OHP with
the exception of citizenship requirements, you may be eligible for the CAWEM (Citizen Alien Waived Emergent Medical
program.) CAWEM provides emergency medical coverage only (including labor and delivery). Contact an
Eligibility Specialist for more information.
What is the difference between OHP and the C.H.I.P program?
C.H.I.P stands for State’s Children’s Health Insurance Program. CHIP is administed through the same
application process and forms as OHP but allows children ages 6-18 years to qualify up to 185% of the federal poverty level. The OHP and CHIP programs provide the same level of coverage
and same benefit packages. Certain restrictions and conditions apply. Contact an Eligibility Specialist
for more information.
What if I am self-employed?
If you are self-employed you may be able to deduct business related expenses from your monthly gross income
OR divide your gross monthly income in half. You will need to provide proof of your monthy expenditures
and complete special forms. Contact an Eligibility Specialist for more information.
How much does OHP cost?
Depending on your income you will have to pay a premium between $6-$20 per month. If you are an American
Indian or Alaskan Native, pregnant or under the age of 19 years there is no premium.
You can find more information on premiums in DHS website
What if I am pregnant
If you are pregnant you can count your unborn child as a member of your family, and can qualify at/up to 185%
of the FPL income chart (see Eligibility Requirements). You will need to provide proof of your pregnancy
with an expected due date listed from a family planning provider (ex: Pregnancy resource center, county health clinics,
field nurse etc.)
I just moved to Oregon…can I still qualify?
As long as you currently reside in the state of Oregon, you are eligible to apply for the Oregon Health Plan.
You must provide proof of current address with your application. Proof of address can include your State ID/Driver’s
license, piece of stamped/metered mail, or any bill with your name and address clearly listed.
What documents do I need to bring with me to apply?
You will need to bring the following documentation with you to apply for the OHP:
- Proof of Oregon address
- Proof of income for the current month, plus past three months (include all pay checks including any unemployment,
disability, social security, child support documentation)
- Proof of pregnancy if applicable
- Proof of non-citizen status (i.e immigration status)
- Oregon ID or Driver License
- Social security number
How long does it take to apply?
The application process itself generally takes between 20-30 minutes with an Eligibility Specialist if you have
all the required documentation with you at the time of appointment. Once an application is completed, it is
date-stamped with the Date of Request and mailed to the State of Oregon for actual determination. The State has
up to 45 days to make a determination on your application. If you are found to be eligible for OHP Plus, you will be covered from the Date of Request stamped on your application. With OHP Standard, once you are found eligible, the coverage will start the first of the following month.
How long will I be covered by OHP?
When you become enrolled in the OHP, you are covered for a six-month period of time. You will be sent a reapplication packet from the State
during the 5th month of your coverage. You need to reapply by the 15th day of the last month of your coverage
and be accepted to continue receiving OHP benefits. There is no limit to the amount of time you can receive
OHP benefits as long as you continue to reapply and qualify every six months.
What medical benefits are available through OHP?
The OHP Standard benefit package does not cover some services covered by the OHP Plus benefit package.
OHP Plus provides comprehensive medical, dental, mental and behavioral health, vision and prescription benefits.
In certain circumstances, medical transportation may also be covered. In most cases you will be required to
select a managed care medical and dental plan at the time of application. Plan selection availability depends on where you live.
What is an “open medical card?”
An open medical card refers to OHP status that is not assigned to a managed care plan. In certain circumstances you may
request to receive an open medical card, or may be assigned by the State to an open medical card. These circumstances
include but are not limited to:
- You are American Indian or Native Alaskan
- You move to another county in the last trimester of your pregnancy
How do I find a doctor who takes OHP?
When you are enrolled in OHP, you will receive a packet of information from your managed care health plan.
In this packet you will find a list of qualifying doctors who are associated with your plan. You will be required to
select a Primary Care Provider (PCP) within the first 30 days of being enrolled with a specific plan. If you do not
select a PCP within that time, you will be automatically assigned a PCP. If you receive an “Open Medical” card, you will
need to find a doctor who accepts OHP. You can call doctors directly to find this out. You may also contact an
Eligibility Specialist for a list of area doctors who accept OHP, although this status changes daily, and you will
still need to call to verify.
I don’t qualify for OHP; where can I go to see a doctor?
There are limited resources for uninsured individuals in Multnomah County. However, the Multnomah County Health Department
clinics do see clients on a sliding scale basis. You will need to call Information and Referral to schedule a medical
appointment with the county at (503)988-3816.
Other resources for uninsured individuals are also availble.
What if I am Homeless?
If you are homeless or “in transition” you will need to provide a mailing address where you can safely receive mail.
There are several local agencies that accept mail for homeless individuals at no cost.
How can I get the “County’s clinic discount?”
If you do not qualify for OHP,
you may be eligible for a sliding scale discount at the Multnomah county clinics. For more information call (503)988-3816.
Do they calculate my income before or after taxes?
Your income eligibility is determined by looking at your Pre-taxed or gross monthly income for the current month, plus the past
three months. The previous three months pre-tax income are averaged. The current month (budget month) income may be used to consider for children and pregnant applicants.
