Written & Reviewed by Akash Biswas, MSW | Former Medicaid Caseworker Trainer | Verified against official Medicaid.gov and Oregon Health Authority guidelines | Last Updated: June 2026
You may qualify for Oregon Medicaid (OHP) in 2026 if your monthly income falls below your category’s limit and you live in Oregon. Most adults, children, and pregnant individuals do not need to pass an asset test to qualify.
This guide explains who qualifies, the 2026 income limits, and how to apply step by step.
Quick Summary:
- Oregon Medicaid (OHP) covers medical, dental, and behavioral health care for low-income residents.
- Most people qualify based on income alone — there is no asset test for children, adults 19–64, or pregnant individuals.
- New income limits took effect March 1, 2026, and a new OHP Bridge program helps people who earn slightly too much for standard OHP.
- You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
- Use our [Medicaid Calculator] to check if your income qualifies before you apply.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health coverage program for people with low income. It is run by the federal government and each state, including Oregon. In Oregon, this program is called the Oregon Health Plan, or OHP.
OHP pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, dental care, and mental health care. You do not pay a monthly bill for most OHP coverage. Medicaid Eligibility rules decide who can get this free or low-cost coverage, and those rules are based mostly on your household income and size.
Who Runs Oregon Medicaid?
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) manages OHP. OHA works with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to set rules and pay for care.
Managed Care vs. Fee-for-Service
Most OHP members join a Coordinated Care Organization (CCO). A CCO is a type of managed care plan that connects you to local doctors and clinics. A small number of members use fee-for-service, where Medicaid pays providers directly for each visit.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Oregon 2026?
You may qualify for OHP based on your age, income, and household size. Oregon also covers some groups no matter their immigration status. Here are the main rules for 2026.
Residency Rules
You must live in Oregon and plan to stay. You do not need to live there for a certain number of months first.
Immigration Status Rules
U.S. citizens and qualified immigrants can get OHP. Oregon also gives full OHP benefits to all children ages 0–18 and to low-income adults ages 19–25 and 55+, no matter their immigration status.
Work Requirements
There are no work requirements to keep OHP in 2026. A federal work rule is set to start January 1, 2027, but Oregon is challenging it in court. This rule does not affect your coverage in 2026.
| Group | Asset Test Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Children (0–18) | No | Covered regardless of immigration status |
| Adults (19–64) | No | Income-based eligibility only |
| Pregnant individuals | No | Higher income limit applies |
| Seniors (65+) / Disabled | Yes | $2,000 asset limit for individuals |
Medicaid Income Limits 2026
Oregon updated its OHP income limits on March 1, 2026. Your limit depends on your age group and how many people are in your household. Most limits are based on a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Monthly Income Limits by Category (Effective March 1, 2026)
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 | FPL % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (19–64) | ~$1,799/month | ~$3,690/month | 138% |
| Pregnant Individuals | ~$2,596/month | ~$5,300/month | 194% |
| Children (0–18) | ~$4,147/month | ~$8,500/month | 305% |
| Seniors (65+) / Disabled | $967/month | Not applicable | 100% FBR |
These dollar amounts are adjusted each year using the prior year’s Federal Poverty Level figures. If you want to compare Oregon’s numbers to other states, you can view medicaid income limits by state in 2026 for a full state-by-state breakdown.
How Income Is Counted
Oregon counts your monthly gross income before taxes. This is called Modified Adjusted Gross Income, or MAGI, for most categories.
What Counts as Countable Income
Wages, self-employment income, and most benefit payments count toward your limit. Some income, like certain veteran’s benefits, is exempt and does not count.
OHP Bridge: A New Option for 2026
OHP Bridge helps people who earn too much for standard OHP but cannot afford private insurance. This program continues in 2026 with no monthly premiums or deductibles.
Who Qualifies for OHP Bridge
Adults ages 19–64 with income between 138% and 200% of the FPL may qualify. This works out to about $1,800 to $2,510 per month for one person.
What OHP Bridge Covers
OHP Bridge covers medical, dental, and behavioral health care. Coverage works much like standard OHP, with no extra costs added on.
What Does Medicaid Cover?
OHP covers a wide range of health services at no or low cost to you. Coverage includes care for your whole body, not just emergencies. Most services need no copay.
Covered Services
- Doctor visits and checkups
- Hospital care and emergency room visits
- Dental care, including cleanings and fillings
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Maternity and newborn care
Provider Payment Rates
Doctors and clinics get paid by Medicaid using set rates for each service. You can review the Medicaid Fee Schedule 2026 to see how much providers are paid for common services. This does not affect what you owe as a patient.
Long-Term Care & Seniors (Non-MAGI)
Seniors aged 65+ and people who need nursing home care follow different rules. This group is called “non-MAGI” because income is counted differently than for younger adults.
Income and Asset Limits
The income limit for long-term care services is $2,829 per month, which is 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate. You can also have up to $2,000 in countable assets, like bank accounts or a second vehicle.
Home Equity Rules
Your primary home is usually exempt if your equity is under about $713,000 and you live in it or plan to return. This protects your home while you get care elsewhere.
Look-Back Period
Oregon checks the past 60 months, or 5 years, for any assets you gave away. Giving away money or property to qualify can create a penalty period where Medicaid will not pay for your care.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Oregon
You can apply for OHP in three ways. Each method leads to the same application and the same coverage decision.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Collect proof of income, identification, and Social Security numbers for your household. Having these ready speeds up your application.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
- Online: Visit ONE.Oregon.gov to apply and check your status.
- Phone: Call OHP Customer Service at 800-699-9075.
- In-Person: Find a verified community partner or agent at OregonHealthCare.gov for free help.
Step 3: Submit and Wait for Your Decision
Once you submit your application, Oregon will review your income and household size. You will get a letter or online notice with the decision.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you apply, Oregon checks your information against state and federal records. This process is called eligibility determination. Most decisions come back within 45 days, though some take longer if more proof is needed.
Coverage Start Date
If approved, your coverage may start on the first day of the month you applied. Some categories, like pregnancy, may get coverage even faster.
Getting Your Medicaid Card
You will receive an OHP card in the mail after approval. Bring this card to all medical, dental, and behavioral health visits.
Renewal
OHP coverage must be renewed once a year. Oregon will mail you a renewal notice before your coverage end date, so watch your mail closely.
FAQ
Q: What are the Medicaid income limits for 2026 in Oregon?
A: Limits depend on your category. Adults 19–64 qualify at 138% FPL, about $1,799/month for one person. Pregnant individuals qualify at 194% FPL, and children qualify at 305% FPL. Seniors and disabled adults qualify at 100% of the Federal Benefit Rate.
Q: Does Oregon Medicaid have an asset test?
A: No, not for children, adults 19–64, or pregnant individuals. Only seniors, blind, and disabled applicants face an asset limit, set at $2,000 for an individual in 2026.
Q: What is OHP Bridge?
A: OHP Bridge is a new coverage option for adults earning 138% to 200% of the FPL. It offers medical, dental, and behavioral health coverage with no premiums or deductibles.
Q: How long does Oregon Medicaid take to approve?
A: Most applications get a decision within 45 days. Pregnancy-related applications are often processed faster.
Q: Do work requirements apply to Oregon Medicaid in 2026?
A: No. A federal work requirement rule is scheduled for January 1, 2027, but Oregon is challenging it in court. It does not affect your coverage in 2026.
Q: Can immigrants qualify for Oregon Medicaid?
A: Yes. U.S. citizens and qualified immigrants can qualify. Oregon also covers all children 0–18 and adults 19–25 and 55+ regardless of immigration status.
Sources:
- Oregon Health Authority, HPE Eligibility Guide: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Tools/HPE-Eligibility-Guide.pdf
- Oregon Department of Human Services, OPI-M Income and Resource Standards: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/seniors-disabilities/Documents/opi-m-income-resource-standards.pdf
- Oregon Department of Human Services, Medicare Savings Programs: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/aging-disability-services/pages/medicare-savings-programs.aspx
Disclaimer: CheckMedicaid.com is not affiliated with any government agency. This content is for educational purposes only. For official eligibility, contact your state Medicaid office or visit Medicaid.gov.
