Starting July 1, a significant number of Oregon residents will now have access to Oregon's new health care plan completely free of charge. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has introduced the OHP Bridge health plan as an expansion of Medicaid coverage.
The Bridge to Better Health
Oregon Senator Elizabeth Steiner expressed, "The bridge health plan is the next step towards ensuring every Oregonian can access high-quality, affordable healthcare to prevent and manage diseases effectively, enabling individuals to lead healthy lives." Senator Steiner led the Bridge Health Plan task force, which aims to provide health coverage for individuals aged up to 65 without affordable insurance, falling between 138 and 200 percent of the poverty level.
Sen. Steiner emphasized, "Individuals within this income range are most likely to fluctuate in and out of the Oregon health plan, affecting their well-being by causing stress, anxiety, and hindering chronic disease management."
Innovative Coverage Approach
The OHA identified that individuals slightly above the OHP limits were at a higher risk of being uninsured pre-pandemic, often delaying healthcare due to financial constraints. The OHP Bridge initiative targets to enroll approximately 100,000 individuals by 2027, providing medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare services along with additional benefits.
No Cost Coverage for Eligible Individuals
Eligible individuals will experience a seamless healthcare journey with no monthly premiums, doctor visit costs, or co-pays for covered services, as the federal government contributes 95% of the expenses. Sen. Steiner affirmed, "Having any costs attached would impede access to care, contradicting the state's healthcare objectives."
Oregon joins New York and Minnesota as the third state to extend Medicaid eligibility above standard federal income limits, uniquely offering this coverage at zero cost. Eligible individuals can expect benefits as early as August 1 if approved for OHP Bridge by July 15.