How to apply for Oregon Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

How to apply for Oregon Health Plan

OHA and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) share responsibility for OHP applications. Per OHA, you can apply through any of four methods:

What you need to apply

Per OHA's application guidance, gather the following before starting:

• Full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number for each person applying (SSN not required for COFA or undocumented applicants)
• Oregon mailing address — a P.O. box is acceptable if you have no permanent address
• Income documentation — pay stubs from the past 30 days, employer letter, or most recent tax return for self-employed applicants
• Proof of naturalization or immigration status for non-citizens (green card, work authorization, visa, or I-94)
• Information about any other health coverage, including Medicare or employer-sponsored insurance
• For older adults and people with disabilities applying through ADRC: additional financial and functional documentation may be required

How long OHP takes to process

Per OHA's FAQ, ODHS must decide most OHP applications within 45 calendar days of receiving a completed application. Disability-based applications can take longer. Check your application status anytime in your ONE dashboard at one.oregon.gov.

If approved, coverage starts on the first day of the month you applied. Pregnant applicants may qualify for retroactive coverage going back three calendar months — meaning you can be reimbursed for qualifying medical costs incurred before your application was submitted. After approval, OHA assigns you to a Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) for your county. You can request a different CCO or primary care provider at any time through ONE or by calling 1-800-699-9075.

What documents you'll need

Gather these before starting your application. Having them ready prevents delays caused by missing information requests, which can add weeks to the review.

• Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Proof of residency in Oregon — utility bill, lease, or official mail with your address
• Social Security numbers for all household members applying
• Proof of income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, or benefit award letters
• Tax filing information if self-employed — prior year return is typically acceptable
• Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record
• Health insurance information if you currently have coverage through an employer or other source

Not every document is required for every applicant. The application will specify what Oregon Health Plan (OHP) needs based on your household composition.

The application process, step by step

1. 1

   Gather your documents

   Collect proof of identity, residency, income, and household composition before you start. Having everything ready means you can complete the application in one sitting.

2. 2

   Submit the application

   Apply through your preferred method — online is fastest. The application asks about income, household size, citizenship status, and whether anyone in the household has other insurance. Answer completely to avoid requests for more information.

3. 3

   Respond to any follow-up requests

   Oregon Health Plan (OHP) may request additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly — delays in providing information can pause or restart the review clock.

4. 4

   Receive your eligibility notice

   The agency will send a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, the notice will state your coverage start date and what benefits you're eligible for.

What to expect after you apply

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most Medicaid applications within 45 days of receipt. Applications based on disability take up to 90 days. If Oregon hasn't issued a decision by those deadlines, the agency must notify you in writing with the reason for delay.

Medicaid coverage typically starts on the first day of the month in which you applied, assuming you're determined eligible. In some cases — particularly for pregnant women — retroactive coverage going back up to three months may apply if you received qualifying medical services during that period.

Keep your contact information updated while your application is pending. A notice sent to an old address counts as received.

If your application is denied

A denial notice must state the specific reason and your right to appeal. You have the right to request a fair hearing — typically within 90 days of the denial notice — where you can present evidence and contest the decision before an impartial hearing officer.

Common denial reasons include income above the limit, failure to verify documents within the required timeframe, or a missing signature. Many denials can be resolved by reapplying with the correct documentation.