Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Bridge, a new health coverage program from the state of Oregon is launching in July 2024 and will cover more people in Oregon.
Who Is This For?
OHP Bridge will cover adults up to age 65 who:
- Have income above traditional OHP Plus limits up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level,
- Do not have access to affordable health insurance, and
- Have an eligible citizenship or immigration status to qualify.
Family Size
| 2024 Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
| 200% FPL (through February 2025)
|
|---|
1
| $15,060 per year
| $30,120 per year
|
|---|
2
| $20,440
| $40,880 |
|---|
| 3 | $25,820
| $51,640
|
|---|
4
| $31,200
| $62,400
|
|---|
OHP Bridge is for people who are more likely to be uninsured or fall in and out of health coverage due to income changes. OHP Bridge will help them maintain coverage and access to care.
OHP Bridge will eventually cover about 100,000 people.
- An estimated 55,000 people who currently have OHP Plus will move to OHP Bridge when it launches in July 2024.
- Another 35,000 people who currently have a health plan through the Marketplace will move to OHP Bridge.
- Studies estimate over 10,000 people who are currently uninsured will sign up for OHP Bridge.
What Is It?
OHP Bridge is a new health insurance program for adults with income just above the OHP Plus limit. Adults with income between 138 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level will have access to quality health insurance through this program.
OHP Bridge will cover medical, dental and behavioral health care. Members will have access to OHP benefits, like transportation to medical appointments and health services. However, OHP Bridge will not cover Long Term Services and Supports, or Climate and Housing benefits.
Just like OHP Plus, OHP Bridge has no member costs. That means no premiums, no co-payments, no coinsurance and no deductibles.
Where Can Someone Get Covered?
Starting July 1, 2024, people in Oregon can visit Oregon’s ONE system or use HealthCare.gov to apply for OHP Bridge coverage.
People with Marketplace plans will not automatically move to OHP Bridge when it launches. If someone with a Marketplace plan is eligible for OHP Bridge, they can keep their coverage and financial help until their automatic re-enrollment period ends.
When Will It Be Available?
OHP Bridge will be open for applications starting July 1, 2024. Uninsured adults with income between 138 and 200 percent FPL will be able to apply.
Until then, adults between 138 and 200 percent FPL will be able to keep their OHP thanks to the Temporary Medicaid Expansion. People in the Temporary Medicaid Expansion will renew when OHP Bridge launches. If they are still eligible, they will be moved to OHP Bridge starting July 1, 2024. This will continue their health coverage in their current CCO.
Until July 1, 2024, people eligible for OHP Bridge can buy health insurance on the Marketplace and may qualify for financial help. People who lose benefits during this time can shop through the Marketplace 60 days before and up to 60 days after the date benefits end. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to preview options.
Why Did Oregon Create This New Program?
Before the pandemic, adults in Oregon with income just above OHP’s limits were more likely to be uninsured than other groups. This group struggled to afford coverage and was more likely to delay health care due to cost.
OHP Bridge will reduce the disruptions that happen when people lose and regain OHP due to income changes. OHP Bridge will allow current OHP members to stay in their CCO so they can keep their doctors. This makes it easier for people to manage chronic health conditions or seek treatment for health issues before they become more serious. It will also decrease administrative costs for providers and the state.
OHP Bridge will help many people avoid coverage gaps, like being uninsured.
Important Words