Medicaid Awareness Month: Why coverage matters in Oregon
Every April, Medicaid Awareness Month highlights the vital role Medicaid plays in connecting people to health care. For many Americans, it’s a safety net that makes care possible when they might not otherwise be able to afford it.
In Oregon, Medicaid is called the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Today, it provides health care coverage for more than 1.4 million people across the state.
For people living with mental health challenges or substance use disorders, access to care can be life changing. Medicaid helps remove financial barriers so people can get treatment, support their recovery, and build healthier futures.
And the impact goes far beyond individual care.
How Medicaid strengthens our communities
Medicaid plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing of many vulnerable populations who deserve access to quality care. According to Medicaid Awareness Month campaign organizers:
- Medicaid is the largest payer for mental health and substance use treatment in the United States.
- Medicaid and CHIP cover nearly half of all children in America, helping families access checkups, dental care, and treatment for ongoing health conditions.
- Medicaid pays for more than 60% of nursing home stays and helps many older adults receive care at home.
- Medicaid covers about 40% of all births in the U.S., supporting parents and babies before and after delivery.
Together, these services help millions of people stay healthy and connected to care.
More frequent eligibility checks coming soon
Last year, H.R. 1 was passed and signed into law, bringing new eligibility rules for Medicaid members. In the past, most people only needed to confirm their eligibility once a year. Starting in 2027, some members may be asked to verify their information every six months to make sure they still qualify for coverage.
These checks may include confirming information like income, household size, or contact details. As part of the process, Medicaid programs may also verify citizenship or immigration status. Oregon Health Authority has provided a Fact Sheet as well as an FAQ.
Understanding these updates can help avoid interruptions in coverage
Supporting access to care
Access to health care helps individuals, families, and communities thrive. During Medicaid Awareness Month, we recognize the impact this coverage has in helping people receive the services they need.
