Healthier Oregon provides coverage to more people and helps keep the overall cost of health care down. In this post, we’ll break down the facts about who’s covered, what’s covered and how this program supports every community in our state. 

What Is Healthier Oregon?  

Healthier Oregon is a state-run program that provides free health coverage to people of all ages who meet income and other eligibility criteria for our state’s Medicaid program (also known as Oregon Health Plan or OHP) regardless of their immigration status.   

Through Healthier Oregon, children and adults can get the same physical, behavioral and oral health care that is covered by OHP including:  

• Primary care  

• Emergency and hospital care  

• Prescription medications  

Healthier Oregon was created through a bill in the Oregon legislature and launched in 2023.  

Who Does It Serve?  

Healthier Oregon serves about 105,000 children and adults in Oregon including:   

• People who have a refugee status  

• Lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders)  

• People enrolled in DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)  

• Individuals with student or work visas  

• Adults and children in Oregon who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid except for their immigration status    

Why It Matters  

Current federal rules make people without a qualifying immigration status ineligible for Medicaid coverage. Before the Healthier Oregon program, children and adults without a qualifying immigration status could only get emergency benefits. This meant more individuals and families were delaying or skipping care including:  

• Not going to the doctor when sick 

• Not scheduling necessary follow-up visits, tests or appointments with a specialist 

• Not filling prescriptions 

As a result, nonprofit hospitals provided more emergency care that was not reimbursed and health care costs increased for all patients.  

Healthier Oregon keeps more individuals and families healthy by providing access to health coverage, which also reduces health costs for every community in our state.  

According to a 2023 national survey, the cost of providing coverage for adults with different immigration status is less than half what it costs to cover adults born in the U.S.  

OHA estimates approximately 114,000 adults and children will be enrolled in Healthier Oregon by 2027. The state has budgeted $329 per person, per month, to provide health care coverage. Meanwhile, federal funding will continue to cover emergency and pregnancy-related care as required in all other states nationwide. 

Oregon thrives when our communities are healthy. By prioritizing health coverage for all, people across the state can earn a living to support their family, support their local community and make Oregon a better place for everyone.