Background
The Oregon Health Plan is a medical assistance program that offers health care for low-income persons who meet the required qualifications. Among the things covered by this program are doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, and dental care. They offer Oregon Health Plan Plus for low-income people who meet the eligibility requirements and Oregon Health Plan Bridge for those just above the standard plus limit. It is available to anyone of any age or immigration status.
Dental Health Coverage
The Oregon Health Plan offers a variety of options for dental care. All members receive diagnostic, preventative, restorative, and specialist care. They offer check-ups, x-rays, cleanings, and fluoride varnish for diagnostic and preventative care. Restorative care includes fillings, extractions (having a tooth pulled), stainless steel crowns on back teeth, full dentures every 10 years, and partial dentures every 5 years. Finally, specialist care offers emergency or urgent care. However, emergency care only covers what is considered a true emergency. Examples of these would include losing a tooth, suffering from severe pain that won’t go away, or having a serious infection. If it is not a true emergency, then you may be asked to cover the bill.
Veterans and members of the COFA (Compacts of Free Association) are entitled to additional benefits. In addition to the standard benefits, they can get free dental appointment rides. In some cases, certain drugs prescribed by the dentist, like antibiotics and pain relief medications, may also be covered.
How to Access The Oregon Health Plan
Applications for the Oregon Health Plan can be submitted and accepted at any time of the year. However, it may be important to check eligibility before applying. The Oregon Health Authority offers a tool to help check for eligibility, which can be accessed here. When one is ready to apply, they can do so online at ONE.Oregon.gov, by phone at 1-800-699-9075, in person at a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office, with an Oregon Health Plan-certified community partner, or by downloading and filling out an application from the OHA website here.
Availability
Medicaid has been under threat recently due to President Trump’s focus on cutting down government spending. Fortunately, the Oregon House has passed a bill (HB 2010) that would extend funding for the Oregon Health Plan through 2032. At the time of this posting, the bill is awaiting approval from the Senate. If approved, it will then be sent to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for her to sign. It is important to note that despite the lack of protection, there are no plans to cut the Oregon Health Plan.
Conclusion
The Oregon Health Plan offers dental coverage for low-income Oregonians who meet the proper requirements. This extends to any person, regardless of immigration status. People can apply online, over the phone, or in person at any time of year. While there are talks of cutting Medicaid, there are no concrete plans to cancel the Oregon Health Plan. Likewise, there is a bill pending approval in the Senate to protect the Oregon Health Plan through 2032. For more information, see this article’s sources.
“Health Coverage in Oregon.” OregonHealthCare.gov : Health coverage in Oregon : State of Oregon. Accessed March 2, 2025. https://healthcare.oregon.gov/pages/types-of-coverage.aspx.
“OHP-Standard-to-Plus-Fact-Sheet.” Oregon Health Authority, October 24, 2013.
“Oregon Health Insurance Plans: Find the Best Coverage for Your Needs.” healthinsurance.org, February 13, 2025. https://www.healthinsurance.org/health-insurance/oregon/ .
Plante, Aimee. “House Passes Bill to Save Oregon Health Plan IF Congress Kills Medicaid Funding.” Koin 6, February 27, 2025. https://www.koin.com/news/politics/house-bill-oregon-health-plan-medicaid-funding-02272025.
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