Oregon to tighten Medicaid renewals under new federal work-requirement law

Following the passage of H.R.1, the Oregon Health Authority will notify roughly 600,000 Oregon Health Plan members that their Medicaid eligibility may be subject to more frequent verification. Instead of a biennial renewal, affected adults between 19 and 64 will have to confirm work, volunteer or school status every six months, with the first check due in 2027 or early 2028. Exemptions exist for individuals with disabilities, pregnant people, recent mothers, certain caregivers and members of federally recognized tribes, though some may need to provide proof of exemption.

OHA interim Medicaid Director Vivian Levy noted that most OHP recipients who can work already do, and that similar work-requirement programs elsewhere have not boosted employment but have led to coverage loss due to complex reporting. Communications director Max Sprague cautioned that the new red tape could push vulnerable patients out of care, especially in rural areas, and urged members to update contact details and prepare necessary documentation. Assistance is available via a dedicated phone line, though wait times may increase.