At Project Access NOW (PANOW), one of our goals is to enroll Oregonians in affordable health insurance and to keep them enrolled through ongoing, culturally-responsive support. Recently updated federal and state legislation will deeply affect access to the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).
If you fall into one of the two following categories, or have any other questions about health care access, please reach out to PANOW staff at (503) 345-7031 or oea@projectaccessnow.org.
To learn more about the insurance enrollment and payment support we offer, as well as other available services, visit us online at www.projectaccessnow.org. Online assistance is available in English or Spanish. Via phone or in-person by appointment, interpreters are available in 230+ languages.
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Unwinding a.k.a Redetermination
What will happen?
You will receive a letter from the Oregon Health Authority. You may be asked to provide information to keep your Oregon Health Plan coverage. You may be notified that you no longer qualify for Oregon Health Plan. Those who no longer qualify for the Oregon Health Plan, due to income or other factors, will need to move to an insurance plan offered on the federal Marketplace.
When is this happening?
The COVID-19 public health emergency ended March 31, 2023. Over the subsequent months, expect to receive information by mail regarding your benefits.
Who is affected?
Anyone currently enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan.
How Project Access NOW can help:
Our staff can assist you with understanding mail you may receive and with submitting documentation to the Oregon Health Authority. If you must move to a Marketplace insurance plan, our staff can help you fill out the application and understand your new benefits. Additionally, for those who qualify, PANOW may be able to pay your monthly insurance premium.
Healthier Oregon
What will happen?
More adults are now eligible for full Oregon Health Plan benefits, regardless of their immigration status. If you currently have Citizenship Waived Medical (CWM), also known as “emergency medical” or “emergency Medicaid,” and meet the qualifications listed below, you will be automatically enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan.
When is this happening?
Eligibility began July 1, 2022 and more people may become eligible July 1, 2023.
Who is affected?
This includes people who live in Oregon who: 1) meet income and other criteria; 2) don’t qualify for full Oregon Health Plan benefits because of their immigration status; and 3) are 19-25 years old or 55 years and older.
How Project Access NOW can help:
Our staff can assist you with understanding your benefits and with applying for the Oregon Health Plan if necessary.
-------------------------------------
Contact the Oregon Health Authority directly by calling 1-800-699-9075 and/or manage your benefits via ONE.Oregon.gov. Online assistance is available in English or Spanish and, via phone, interpreters are available in 16 different languages. You may also call 211 or visit www.211info.org for information about a range of other social supports.
