by The Source Staff, The Source – Bend, Oregon
October 23, 2026
Nearly all adults ages 19-64 who get health care through the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) already work. But tough new rules from the federal government, effective Jan. 1, 2027, will make it harder to prove their hours and income.
The Latino Community Association has enrolled low-income people in OHP since 2011. Currently, LCA Healthy Families staff enroll or renew OHP coverage for more than 800 people per year.
With so much invested in health care, LCA has launched a campaign – “You are not alone. No estás solo”– to keep OHP members covered.
The changes stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill (HR 1) that squeaked through Congress in July 2025. It cut taxes, but slashed millions of dollars from safety net programs. People with SNAP food benefits or OHP must now document 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or study.
SNAP recipients began feeling the pinch last spring. Now people eligible for OHP could lose their coverage. What will trip them up is the paperwork.
If you have paycheck stubs with deductions, it’s easy to prove your income and hours. But it’s more difficult if you deliver for DoorDash, work for rent, or run a business.
Many OHP members will have to re-certify their eligibility every six months. Backers of the federal bill know that these requirements will cause many people to let their coverage lapse.
“Not all of the changes apply to everyone,” said Ana Bueno, Empowerment Program Senior Manager.
Ana and Lourdes Reyes, Healthy Families coordinator, spoke during a Facebook Live (Adelante en Vivo) event on Oct. 9. They asked OHP
members to:
- Keep their address and phone number current with the Department of Human Services (DHS).
- Open mail from DHS right away and call our Healthy Families staff at 541788-4835 or 541 788-4839 with any questions.
- Ask for help to document income or perhaps qualify for an exemption.
- People who care for young children or an ill adult and those who are seriously ill or disabled may get an exemption.
- Qualify by volunteering hours at a nonprofit, non-political organization. Our volunteer coordinator can match volunteers with opportunities at LCA.
- “Don’t wait until the last moment,” Ana said.
You Are Not Alone: LCA is Here to Help
Changes to Oregon Health Plan (OHP) rules may create concern and uncertainty for many families. However, you don’t have to navigate these changes alone.
Latino Community Association’s (LCA) OHP Community Health Assisters are prepared to guide and support our community members. They can help them understand new requirements, identify potential exemptions, and navigate the enrollment and renewal processes to maintain their health coverage.
Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay covered.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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