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Corrected the first story to add links to Victor's full story and where partners can submit their own stories about keeping people covered.
Feb. 29, 2024
In this update:
 
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Victor Mondragon helps people. That’s his job. For the past four years he has helped people get on or stay on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Mondragon is a medical assister or more formally, an Oregon Health Plan Certified Community Partner, working through a grant from the Hood River County Public Health Department.
As of mid-December 2023, Mondragon, as well as 1,500 other medical assisters throughout Oregon, have been an important part of getting about 85 percent of eligible people to complete the medical renewals process.
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Oregon is still among the top states for keeping people covered
With more than 85 percent of the state’s nearly 1.5 million renewals complete, 5 out of 6 Oregonians are keeping their OHP or other Medicaid benefits. Oregon’s 85 percent renewal rate continues to be the second highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization.
At this point in the unwinding, Oregon has sent the initially planned 10 waves of renewal letters. About 6 percent of members are still responding to those initial waves.
Remaining renewals approved to begin in June 2024
On February 13, the federal government approved Oregon’s plan for the remaining 8 percent of renewals not included in the initial waves. Under this plan:
- Renewal letters will be sent to members in four waves between June and September.
- Members will still receive 90 days to respond, and 60 days’ advance notice before any termination or reduction in benefits.
This means the final responses would be due in December 2024, and the final closures will happen in February 2025. A May 2024 update to Oregon’s automated renewal process will enable Oregon to begin this work.
Legislative presentation provides status of medical renewals, eligibility workforce and OHP Bridge
On Feb. 21, 2024, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services received an update on the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Unwinding. Interim Medicaid Director Vivian Levy of Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director Nathan Singer of Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) delivered the presentation.
The presentation provided:
- A status report on medical renewals,
- Details about how the agencies are preparing for the final phase of the project, including adjustments in renewal processes and outreach, and
- An update on transitioning the benefits eligibility workforce to post-PHE operations.
Nikki Olson, Interim Medicaid Deputy Director of OHA, also gave an update on OHP Bridge. OHP Bridge launches in July 2024 and will provide medical coverage to more people in Oregon.
Reminder about Marketplace coverage
Though most people are keeping coverage, approximately 180,000 people will lose benefits or have reduced benefits and need to consider other coverage options. People who do not have coverage through an employer or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.
- Most people who enroll through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help.
- People who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits will get information from the Marketplace about potential coverage options.
- People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until July 31, 2024, or within 60 days of their benefits ending.
Use the Marketplace’s Window Shop tool to:
- Answer a few quick questions,
- Find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you.
You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
Register now for May 2024 webinars
Community partners, coordinated care organizations, providers, insurers, and more are invited to learn more about how OHA and ODHS are working together to support people in Oregon as the federal COVID-19 PHE phases out. Webinars will be held:
- In English on Tuesday, February 13 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
- In Spanish on Tuesday, February 27 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
Language and disability access: American Sign Language and live captioning will be available for this meeting.
Everyone has a right to know about and use ODHS and OHA programs and services. ODHS and OHA provide free help. For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Feedback team at (503) 945-5488 or feedback@odhsoha.oregon.gov at least two business days in advance of the webinar if you would like assistance to participate. All relay calls accepted.
Medicaid Redetermination Office Hours with Oregon Primary Care Association
We are excited to continue our partnership with the Oregon Primary Care Association for another joint office hour.
This office hour will be an open space for questions and discussion for partners and providers as we all work together to raise awareness among Oregonians about medical renewals and their benefits.
- Date: Tuesday, March 12
- Time: 1 to 2 p.m. Pacific Time
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