Perhaps you didn’t know it, but Oregon has two great insurance programs to suit several different situations.  Also, I read an article on-line about people who are letting their insurance drop, even with catastrophic illnesses, because they could no longer afford the premiums.

Here in Portland, a Downs Syndrome teen was killed while crossing the highway.  Not only did the family have the grief of their son’s death, but unfortunately they did not have health insurance either as the husband had lost his job and exhausted COBRA coverage.  Either of the programs below probably would have helped this family.

Due to these hard economic times, if you are a resident of Oregon, perhaps one of these programs might help you too.  I’m finding that many people don’t even know they exist.  I am not familiar with other states and can only assist you with what I know about Oregon.  Both of these programs may, I believe, have waiting lists.

OREGON HEALTH PLAN

Are you eligible?  There are many ways that you may be eligible for OHP if you live in Oregon and are a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.  Different eligibility rules and income levels apply to different groups of people.  The level of coverage (benefit package) you receive is based on your income, age, and physical or mental condition. For example, eligible pregnant women and children under age 19 receive the highest level of coverage.

In a previous article around the holidays, I also wrote about Oregon Helps .  Their web site can tell you whether your family might be able to get help from various state and federal assistance programs, including help from the Oregon Health Plan. During the economic recession in the 1980s, I too was on this program.

How to apply:  To receive an OHP application packet, call (1-800) 359-9517 or TTY: (1-800) 621-5260. You can also download an electronic version (in PDF format) of the OHP application packet by clicking here. If you receive SSI, are eligible for Medicare, or are 65 years of age or older: Call your local Department of Human Services (DHS) or Area Agency on Aging (AAA) office, or (1-800) 282-8096 (voice and TTY) for more information about the OHP and other health care programs. If you have a foster child and would like information about OHP: Contact your local DHS child welfare office or Oregon Youth Authority worker.

OREGON MEDICAL INSURANCE POOL

The Oregon Medical Insurance Pool (OMIP) is the high-risk health insurance pool for the State of Oregon. OMIP was established by the Oregon Legislature to cover adults and children who are unable to obtain medical insurance because of health conditions. OMIP also provides a way to continue insurance coverage for those who exhaust COBRA benefits and have no other options.

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