OHP Changes Coming in 2027: What They Mean for Mental Health Coverage

Key Takeaways: Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Mental Health Coverage Changes

• Most OHP (otherwise known as Medicaid) members will keep their benefits. The 2027 changes don’t automatically mean you’ll lose your mental health coverage or therapist.
• Some adults ages 19–64 will have new work or activity requirements to qualify for or renew OHP.
• Not everyone will have to meet the new work requirements. People with certain serious mental health conditions and others may qualify for an exemption.
• Some OHP members will eventually need to renew their eligibility every six months, making it especially important to know your renewal date.
• There are steps you can take now to help prevent an unexpected interruption in your mental health care, including updating your contact information and responding to OHP notices.
• Willamette Wellness Center accepts many OHP CCO’s, and will continue sharing updates to help clients stay informed and connected to care.

If you use the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) to pay for mental health services, changes to Medicaid rules may affect how you qualify for and renew your coverage beginning in 2027.

While the changes won’t affect everyone in the same way, it’s important to understand what may apply to you and what you can do now to prepare.

There are things you can do now to prepare and help protect your access to mental health care.

At Willamette Wellness Center, we’re closely following the OHP changes. Our goal is to help you understand what’s changing and stay connected to the mental health care you need.

Worried About Losing Your OHP Therapist?

If you’ve found a therapist you trust, the possibility of losing insurance coverage may feel scary.

Beginning in 2027, some adults will have new work or activity requirements, and some OHP members will eventually need to renew their eligibility more frequently.

But the new OHP rules do not mean you’re automatically going to lose your therapist or your mental health benefits. You may not be subject to the new work requirements, you may already meet them, or you may qualify for an exemption.

The most important thing is to find out what applies to you and take things one step at a time.

“Clients are telling us they’re afraid they’re going to lose their OHP coverage, and they’re worried their mental health care may no longer be covered. We understand that fear,” says Arin Wallington, CEO of Willamette Wellness Center. “We want to help people understand the changes, know what they can do now, and advocate for themselves.”

“We’ll continue sharing resources and updates as we learn more, so our clients can understand how these changes may affect them and what steps they can take.”

How Will OHP’s New Work Requirements Affect You?

Beginning in 2027, some adults ages 19–64 will need to meet new work or activity requirements to apply for or renew their Oregon Health Plan (otherwise known as Medicaid).

Depending on your situation, qualifying activities may include:

• Working (or earning at least $580 per month)
• Attending school at least half-time
• Working, volunteering, attending school, or participating in qualifying training programs for a combined 80 hours per month

You can combine different qualifying activities to reach the 80-hour monthly requirement.

But these requirements will not apply to everyone.

Who May Be Exempt From the New OHP Work Requirements?

You may be exempt from the new work or activity requirements if you:

• Have a serious mental health condition or substance use disorder
• Have certain disabilities or functional limitations
• Are pregnant or gave birth within the last 12 months
• Care for a child under 14 or a person with a disability
• Have or qualify for Medicare
• Already meet SNAP or TANF work requirements

These are just some of the exemptions.

If you have a serious mental health condition, you may qualify for an exemption from the new work requirements. Check with OHP to find out what applies to you and what, if anything, you need to provide.

“It’s more important than ever to build your support network,” says Wallington. “Make sure you have a mental health therapist and a primary care provider (PCP) who understand your needs. Depending on your situation, you may also want to seek legal guidance if you have questions about your eligibility or need help advocating for your benefits.

If you think you may qualify for an exemption, start gathering any documentation you may need before the new requirements begin in 2027. Having that information ready may make the process easier.”

How Will OHP Renewal Changes Affect Your Therapy Coverage?

Another change involves how frequently some people will need to renew their OHP (otherwise known as Medicaid) eligibility.

Beginning in 2027, many adults ages 19–64 will eventually need to renew every six months. Other OHP members will generally renew once a year.

If you’re receiving ongoing mental health care, staying on top of your renewal can help reduce the risk of an unexpected disruption in your care.

That’s why we’re encouraging our OHP clients to prepare now—not because we want you to worry, but because knowing what’s coming gives you more time to act.

5 Steps to Help Protect Your Oregon Health Plan Mental Health Coverage

If you use OHP, otherwise known as Medicaid, to see a therapist, taking these steps now can help reduce the risk of an unexpected interruption in your care.

1. Find Out Your OHP Renewal Date

Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask when your current coverage is due for renewal.

Write down the date and consider adding a reminder to your phone or calendar well before the deadline.

2. Make Sure OHP Can Reach You

Make sure OHP has your current mailing address, phone number, and email address.

If you’ve moved or changed your contact information, update it as soon as possible so you don’t miss an important eligibility or renewal notice.

3. Open and Respond to OHP Notices

If you receive mail or email from OHP about your eligibility, renewal, benefits, or new requirements, open it and respond as soon as you can.

A notice doesn’t necessarily mean you’re losing coverage. OHP may simply need information from you.

And if the paperwork feels confusing or overwhelming, ask for help rather than putting it aside.

4. Keep Records That May Help With Your OHP Eligibility

If the new work or activity requirements may apply to you, keep records of qualifying work, school, volunteer, community service, or job-training activities.

If you think you may qualify for an exemption because of a mental health condition or another circumstance, find out what documentation OHP may require.

5. Ask Questions Early

Contact OHP or your coordinated care organization if you’re unsure about your renewal date, eligibility, work requirements, or a possible exemption.

The earlier you understand what OHP needs from you, the more time you’ll have to respond.

Does Willamette Wellness Center Accept OHP for Therapy?

Yes. Willamette Wellness Center accepts these OHP CCO’s for mental health services. Please fill out our new client form to inquire about openings:

• Open Card
• Health Share
• Jackson Care Connect
• Columbia Pacific
• Trillium
• PacificSource Community Solutions

If you’re looking for an OHP therapist in Oregon, contact our team. We can help you determine whether we accept your specific OHP plan and discuss current therapist availability.

Willamette Wellness Center Is Here to Help

Insurance changes can be confusing. And when those changes could affect your therapy, they can feel especially stressful.

Willamette Wellness Center will continue monitoring the OHP changes and sharing important updates with our clients as more information becomes available. Please know that we are here, watching these changes closely, and will always advocate for your access to care.

Oregon Health Plan Resources

Because OHP requirements are changing, always check official sources for the most current information.

• Oregon Health Plan: OHP.Oregon.gov
• OHP federal eligibility changes: OHP.Oregon.gov/HR1
• Medicaid.gov: https://www.medicaid.gov/renew-info/or/
• Update your information/report changes: ONE.Oregon.gov
• You can also call the member services number on the back of your OHP insurance card for information specific to your coverage.