Questions are answered by experts at OHA and other state agencies or community partners.
Q: I had COVID in January. I am 65 and wondering if I should get the latest booster or am I still protected from my January illness? - Margie, Portland
A: Your January infection provided you with decent protection for about 90 days, so we recommend now getting a dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine that was released last fall. Even if you already received that vaccine in the fall, people ages 65+ are recommended to receive a second dose. While neither the vaccine nor a past infection can protect you 100% from getting infected, you will still be well protected against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 through the summer, when COVID surges have been known to occur.
We expect the next updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine to be released this fall, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) advisory committee is meeting June 5 to discuss and make recommendations on its formulation.
Q: I am 70 and moving to Portland soon (from Colorado). Before I turned 65 I received disability income (SSDI), which became social security income at 65. I've also been on Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously – a Dual Complete plan with United Healthcare which I’ve been told Oregon doesn’t offer. What are my options in Multnomah County that will allow me to continue with my medical care? – Kathy Ann, Westminster, Colorado
A: You are correct that Oregon does not offer the exact plan you have in Colorado, but it is still possible to have Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan/OHP) and Medicare coverage simultaneously.
Our best advice is to apply for Medicaid as soon as you arrive in Oregon, either by calling the ONE Eligibility Customer Service line at (800) 699-9075, or by visiting or calling a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office. Here is a search tool to find offices by ZIP code. You should also report your change of address to Colorado. Learn more about Medicaid and moving between states here.
Regarding Medicare, the type of Medicaid you qualify for in Oregon will affect your options. If you are eligible for full Medicaid (OHP) in Oregon, coordinating dual coverage should first be discussed with an ODHS representative. If you do not qualify for full OHP, you may qualify for partial Medicaid under a Medicare Savings Program.
You can also call a Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) counselor for many Medicare questions. Since you’ll be moving to Multnomah County, call (503) 988-3646, or (800) 722-4134 and enter your Oregon ZIP code.
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. Although we are unable to answer every question, we try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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