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Long-term Care Options

Long-term care services are for people who need help meeting their daily health or personal care needs. These services are not usually covered by traditional health insurance or Medicare. 

This page tells you about different kinds of long-term care services and some ways to help pay for care.


 If you want to talk with someone about options and services in your area:

Contact your local ADRC or call their statewide number at 855-673-2372

ADRC is the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon. They are a public resource that has trained professional staff who can help you and your family find long-term care services.


Long-term care services

In your home

There are many kinds of services to help people stay independent and safe in their homes. Services vary based on a person's needs. Some examples include help with bathing, dressing, mobility and medications. Services can be short-term, while you recover from an injury or illness, or long-term for many years.

ADRC home-based services page Hiring a home care worker


In your community

Services in your community may include meals, transportation or help managing chronic conditions. Services vary depending on where you live. Many people use community-based services together with in-home services.

ADRC community-based services pageLearn about meal programs


In a care facility

There are many facility-based living options in Oregon. These include adult foster care, assisted living, residential care facilities, nursing facilities and memory care communities.

ADRC facility-based services pageFind facilities in OregonEnsuring quality care


PACE program

The Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps people meet their health needs in the community instead of going to a care facility. With PACE, you have a team of health care professionals who work with you to make sure you get the coordinated care you need.

PACE is for people who:

  • Are 55 or older
  • Are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare (or you can pay privately)
  • Live in the service area of a PACE organization (PACE is available in all of Multnomah and Clatsop counties, and many parts of Washington, Clackamas, Tillamook, Jackson and Josephine counties)
  • Are willing to get all their health services through PACE
  • Need a nursing-home level of care
  • Can live safely in the community with help from PACE

Oregon's PACE fact sheetFederal PACE website


Paying for your care

Medicaid long-term care benefits

Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources. Oregon's Medicaid program is called the Oregon Health Plan, or OHP.

Medicaid pays for long-term care for people who meet eligibility requirements. The are several different programs, and they each have their own eligibility criteria. Services may include help with daily activities, health-related tasks and more. Services can be provided in a person’s home or in a facility.

To apply: You can call the ADRC to apply by phone at 855-673-2372. You can also apply online or call your local Benefits office to make an appointment and apply in person. 

Learn more on the OHP website

Healthier Oregon Program
More people now qualify for Medicaid, regardless of immigration status

The Healthier Oregon program gives more people access to Medicaid benefits, regardless of their immigration status. This program provides Medicaid benefits to all people in Oregon who meet income eligibility criteria. 

To learn more: Visit the Healthier Oregon page.

Healthier Oregon also provides benefits for more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Public charge notice for immigrants
Medicaid benefits are generally not counted during an immigrant's public charge test. However, if you get long-term care in a nursing facility or mental health institution, this can be counted. Oregon Legal Aid can give you advice about public benefits and immigration. Call their hotline at 800-520-5292 or see this flyer, Know the Facts about Public Charge.


Oregon Project Independence

Oregon Project Independence is a program for people who need help to stay in their home, and who don't have Medicaid long-term care benefits. Services may include home-delivered meals, help at home, personal care, transportation and respite care.

ADRC Oregon Project Independence page


Long-term care insurance

Long-term care insurance can help pay for long-term care costs, but it's not right for everyone. Visit the Oregon Insurance Division website for help deciding if long-term care insurance is a good fit for you.

Common questions


Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions.

Medicare does not generally pay for long-term care, but it does help pay for skilled nursing or home health care for rehabilitation after certain kinds of hospital stays.

Visit the federal Medicare websiteGet free Medicare help

Free Medicare help is provided through a program called "SHIBA" (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance).