PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon can now offer free health insurance to more people in more income brackets through a new benefit called the Oregon Health Plan Bridge, with an estimated 100,000 people expected to eventually qualify for the new program.
Oregon created a new eligibility category by establishing the Medicaid Demonstration and Basic Health Program to ensure health coverage for American Indians/Alaska Natives. Oregon is the third state in the nation to establish a BHP.
OHA Director Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, said Monday, “The Oregon Health Plan was one of the first Medicaid programs in the nation to expand coverage to low-income adults. The new OHP Bridge program continues Oregon’s long history of leading the nation in efforts to ensure health insurance is available to all Oregonians. It also advances our strategic plan to eliminate health disparities by 2030 by helping all people have access to affordable health care and honoring our government-to-government relationships with tribes.”
What’s different about OHP Bridge?
Oregon’s BHP is administered by the OHP, which also administers the state’s Medicaid program. The name reflects the goal of “closing” the health insurance gap between those enrolled in a traditional OHP and those who purchase insurance through the Marketplace.
OHP Bridge has no membership costs, meaning there are no premiums, co-pays, coinsurance or deductibles, making Oregon the first state to offer BHP with no out-of-pocket costs for members.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks LaSure said, “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to seize every opportunity to ensure that health coverage is available and seamless for everyone covered by our program. We applaud Oregon for launching its Basic Health Program, the third program of its kind in the nation, providing residents with a critical lifeline of affordable, accessible health insurance. For countless individuals and families, health insurance is more than just insurance; it provides an opportunity to focus on the health and well-being of their loved ones without the constant fear of financial ruin due to illness or injury.”
Through OHP Bridge, Oregonians can receive medical, dental and behavioral health care at no membership cost. Members also have access to additional benefits, such as transportation to medical appointments and other health-related services.
There are some things that OHP Bridge doesn’t cover, that other Medicaid programs don’t cover, that OHP Bridge doesn’t cover: Long-term service and support Assisting with daily living tasks or Oregon’s new Health-related social needs It covers some of the climate, food and housing needs.
The federal government granted approval to OHA to proceed with construction of the OHP Bridge on June 24.
Protecting people
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Oregon adults with incomes just above the traditional Medicaid limit were uninsured. Additionally, about 34% of enrollees who lose benefits return to Medicaid within a year due to income fluctuations. OHP Bridge helps people maintain their coverage and continue to see the same doctors, even with short-term fluctuations in income.
“Virginia Garcia is excited that our new OHP Bridge plan will help many people here in Oregon get by without health insurance,” said Gil Munoz, CEO of Virginia Garcia. “Our patients depend on our services to stay healthy, and this plan makes that possible.”
Who is eligible?
Oregonians are eligible for OHP Bridge if they meet the following criteria:
- Be between 19 and 64 years old
- Have an income between 138% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Possess eligible citizenship or immigration status.
- Unable to obtain other affordable health insurance.
| Household size | OHP Bridge Income Limit (200% of FPL) |
| 1 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| Four | $62,400 |
| Five | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
These income limits change each March in accordance with federal guidelines.
Starting July 1, Oregonians can apply for OHP Bridge. ONE. Oregon State Government.
Marketplace to OHP Bridge Transition
People who have insurance through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and may be eligible for the OHP Bridge will not be automatically transitioned when the OHP Bridge begins.
If you have a Marketplace plan and are potentially eligible for OHP Bridge, you may be able to receive coverage and financial assistance until the end of the automatic re-enrollment period if there are no changes to your application. If you make updates to your Marketplace application, such as changes to your contact information or income, that information may be sent to the state to determine your eligibility for OHP programs, including OHP Bridge. Additional information for current Marketplace members will be provided before open enrollment begins in the coming months.
Updates must also be reported if they result in a relocation to OHP Bridge. This includes changes such as moving or an increase or decrease in income. If an individual does not update their application, they may no longer be eligible for financial assistance from the Marketplace.
Applying for health insurance
Beginning July 1, 2024, Oregonians will be able to apply for OHP Bridge.
- Online. To apply online, benefits.oregon.govIndividuals can also use this link to find information on how to apply directly, get assistance with applying, or obtain a paper application.
- By phone. Individuals can apply by calling the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted and support is available in many languages.
- Talk to a health insurance professional. If you are looking to explore your health insurance options, talk to a health insurance professional. Professionals across Oregon are available to provide free, one-on-one assistance. For help, OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp To find someone nearby.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out these window shopping tools: OregonHealthcare.gov/WindowShopAnswer a few quick questions to discover what programs, coverages and savings are available to you and your family.
Video of the OHA press conference can be viewed below. English and Spanish.
