ODHS Press Release
Two drawings from the reservation list happening in May
Two Oregonians, one in Redmond and one in Grants Pass, have something in common: They have the security of health care because they are now on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
The two are part of a newly insured group of Oregonians, thanks to new openings for adults on OHP. The state is encouraging low-income uninsured Oregonians to sign up today in order to not miss an opportunity to receive health care.
Demand for the Oregon Health Plan is so high that the state is maintaining a reservation list of people who want to apply for OHP, and then drawing from that list to find people who qualify based on income. In the next month there will be drawings on May 3 and May 21. People are encouraged to sign up for the list before the drawings.
The state of the economy means more people are losing health care that they previously received through their employers. Brandy Princehorn, a mother of three from Redmond, and her husband added their names to the reservation list and now have health care coverage.
“Getting on the Oregon Health Plan has been amazing for us,” says Princehorn. “My husband was laid off his job about a year ago and we have not had health care insurance since then. Knowing we are covered now and can see a doctor is a huge relief,” she said.
Others, such as Sandra Rothkamm from Grants Pass who has not had health care insurance for seven years, are now receiving coverage after being without for many years.
“I am looking forward to getting a check-up at long last and some lab work to help me determine some medical issues I have been having but could not afford to see a doctor,” she says.
The state has funding to add some 35,000 adult Oregonians to the Oregon Health Plan Standard thanks to legislation passed in 2009. The state estimates that some 140,000 qualify based on income.
“In order for your name to be drawn, you have to get on the list. So we strongly encourage people to sign up today,” says Judy Mohr Peterson, director of the Division of Medical Assistance Programs, which administers the plan.
In order to ensure that all qualified Oregonians receive an equal opportunity for care, the Oregon Health Authority maintains an open reservation list and holds regular drawings. People whose names are drawn will receive an application packet that asks them questions about income and residency that determine if they are qualified for OHP.
To be added to the reservation list, low-income Oregonians should call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 TTY, or visit the website at www.ohplist.oregon.gov. Reservation request forms are also available at local Department of Human Services’ offices, local county health departments, and most hospitals and health care clinics.
OHP Standard covers physician services, prescription drugs, mental health and addiction services, emergency medical services and limited dental, hospital and vision services. Adults in the program pay monthly premiums ranging from nothing to $20, depending on income and household size. There are currently approximately 25,700 adults on the Oregon Health Plan.
While there is a reservation list for adults and income limits for the Oregon Health Plan, health officials point out that with the Oregon Healthy Kids program, all Oregon children — regardless of their parents’ income or status on the OHP list — are eligible for health care.
“Even if parents are still on the waiting list for their health care, they can add their children today,” says Mohr Peterson. “We hope that people will sign their kids up right away.”
To sign up for the Healthy Kids Plan, call 1-877-314-5678 or visit the Healthy Kids website at www.oregonhealthykids.gov.
In Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties, call CSC's Healthy Kids toll free number at 1-888-957-8652.
