PORTLAND, OREGON — Oregon youth with special health care needs now have access to free health insurance and supplemental benefits through the state's Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
The Oregon Health Authority announced the outbreak on Wednesday, January 8th.
This new initiative is targeted at individuals ages 19 to 20 who meet certain income and medical requirements.
In Oregon, OHA reports that 20% of children under 18 have special health care needs, ranging from physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities to complex mental disorders and medical conditions. . However, once they turn 19, these people typically lose OHP insurance coverage.
OHA reports that more than 80% of young people with special health needs lack adequate access to care and social services, despite reporting a higher need for services than their peers. It says that there are.
The agency announced that the new Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs (YSHCN) benefit will expand OHP coverage, enhance vision and dental services, and provide new health-related benefits such as climate change and housing benefits. The company explains that the needs of these people are expanding to this group.
Oregon receives federal approval with waiver to test whether increasing access to affordable care for young people with complex medical needs improves health outcomes and reduces inequities I got it. This is the first such benefit in the country.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) estimates that 4,000 new youth will be eligible for coverage through OHP and 15,000 current OHP members will be eligible for enhanced benefits.
“As people with special health care needs age, they may face changes in insurance coverage that prevent them from accessing the care they need,” Steph Jarem, OHA's director of 1115 Waiver Policy, said in a press release. There is,” he said. “Our goal is to increase access to affordable care and bridge the gap between pediatric and adult care. These new benefits will help young people with complex medical needs transition into adulthood. You will have access to regular care.”
To be eligible for YSHCN benefits, young adults must meet age requirements, have qualifying health needs, and have an individual or family income of up to 205% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Covered health needs include physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Mental health conditions; long-standing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and spina bifida.
Based on the current FPL, the income limit is $30,873 per year for an individual and $52,931 per year for a family of three.
Individuals who wish to determine eligibility for YSHCN benefits can contact their Cooperative Care Organization (CCO) or apply online with the Oregon Health Plan. Young people who are already OHP members and are eligible for the new benefits should receive a letter asking if they would like to apply. Applicants must apply for benefits before turning 21 years old.
If you have further questions, please call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557 or email Ask.OHP@odhsoha.oregon.gov. For more information on these benefits, please visit the YSHCN webpage.
