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Learn About CHIP in Oregon

The Oregon Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was created to help families who need health care coverage, but do not meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements. Those with children who need financial assistance with health care services can explore how to apply for CHIP, especially if they find themselves in situations where they cannot afford private health care coverage, but are also not able to get Medicaid. If a family has Medicaid eligibility children will not be able to participate in CHIP, since they will already be receiving health care assistance through another government healthcare program. However, when CHIP and Medicaid enrollment in OR need to be completed, petitioners are able to complete their applications a few different ways. Before interested petitioners begin to explore how to apply for CHIP, they need to verify that they are, indeed, eligible for CHIP benefits in Oregon. Continue below to read more about the OR Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

What is the Oregon Children’s Health Insurance Program?

“What is CHIP Medicaid?” is a common question an Oregon parent may ask, especially if he or she has a child in need of health care assistance, and is unsure about what federal programs are available. The OR Children’s Health Insurance Program is an excellent resource that can help families with young adults or children get necessary healthcare services through affordable methods. If a family wants to get Medicaid for children, but is not eligible for Medicaid coverage in OR, then the family can explore CHIP, instead.

There are a few key differences between these programs, and it is important for applicants to know what is covered by CHIP Medicaid, versus what might be covered through Medicaid, alone. Furthermore, applicants should also be aware of any cost differences. Medicaid is designed to assist families who fall within a certain, low-income bracket, and there are typically no premiums or cost-sharing fees associated with this federal program. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Oregon, however, is tailored to help those who should not learn how to apply for Medicaid, but who also cannot afford to purchase any type of private health insurance coverage. With CHIP, Oregon residents may need to pay premiums, copays or some other type of cost-sharing fees whenever healthcare services are rendered.

Is CHIP considered Medicaid in Oregon?

While some may readily consider CHIP in Oregon a part of Medicaid, since it offers similar benefits and is also a federally funded program, it is, in fact, a separate program. The eligibility requirements for each of these programs differ. Furthermore, while children’s Medicaid and the entire family can potentially be distributed to all household members, CHIP is specifically designed to assist household members that are designated as children.

To learn more about the differences between Medicaid and CHIP, download our free guide.

Who qualifies for CHIP in Oregon?

Between CHIP and Medicaid for Oregon children, a household can only receive healthcare assistance through one program. Furthermore, just like with Medicaid, in order for a potential beneficiary to qualify for CHIP, the applicant must meet a certain list of eligibility requirements, which include that he or she:

  • Must be a resident of Oregon.
  • Must be younger than 19 years old.
  • Cannot be insured through any other health insurance program (including Medicaid).
  • Must be a citizen of the United States or a legal alien.

Along with meeting basic eligibility requirements, in order to participate in the Oregon CHIP program, petitioners must also meet certain income requirements that are based on the size of the household.

What services are covered by CHIP in Oregon?

After successfully completing CHIP and Medicaid enrollment in Oregon, many different, comprehensive medical services are covered for the beneficiaries. CHIP beneficiaries are able to get basic and extensive health care services that can include, but are not limited to:

  • Doctor visits.
  • Regular and routine checkups.
  • Mental health and substance abuse services.
  • Hospital stays and physician care.
  • Pharmaceutical services, including the filling of prescriptions.

Even more health services are covered through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and you can download our guide to review the full list.

How to Apply for CHIP in Oregon

The Oregon CHIP enrollment process can be completed in a few different ways. If an OR CHIP petitioner is interested in applying for this program, then he or she is able to complete an application online through the custom web portal. Petitioners are also able to submit the paper application for CHIP, too. If applicants opt to submit all required information online, then they will need to create an account within the custom web portal.

Paper applications for CHIP coverage can be submitted either in-person at a local office, or via mail to the appropriate location. If the application is mailed, it must be sent to:

OHP Customer Service
P.O. Box 14015
Salem, OR 97309-5032

Oregon Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) petitioners also have the option to fax the application. While the form is available to be downloaded online in more than one language, if an applicant needs to have the CHIP and Medicaid enrollment form mailed to him or her, this request can be made over the phone by contacting Oregon Health Plan Customer Service.