OHP Reservation List Open 1.28 to 2.29.08

It is nice to report some good news for once!!  Even if it is in the context of generally terrible news about health care access.  As you likely have heard, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is opening its rolls to qualifying families through a reservation and lottery process.  Yes, just typing those words made me realize how ludicrous it is that in Oregon, in the U.S., this is how we parcel out healthcare!  Yikes.  Ok, so I'll restrain myself (for now!) and we'll talk about how to improve this disastrous situation later.  For now, just some basic info you can use or share on how to get through the process.  Here's how DHS describes it:

People interested in applying for OHP Standard benefits must place their names on the reservation list.  DHS will mail a postcard to people on the reservation list that includes their reservation number.  The postcard will only confirm that the person is on the reservation list; it does not guarantee an application for OHP Standard benefits. After the reservation list closes, a set number of names will be randomly drawn from the list. DHS will mail OHP Standard applications to those people whose names have been drawn.  Because of funding limitations, not everyone on the reservation list will be sent an application.

Got it?  You get on the list, win the lottery, then apply.  Wowee, mamas, is that craziness or is it just me?  Not to criticize DHS's particular method of meting it out, mind you; just that this type of process is needed because the demand is so great and the benefits so few.

Reservation List Open Dates: Monday, January 28th to Friday, February 29th.

Get on the List: The DHS web site has a good "how to."  You can sign up by:

• Phone (800.699.9075) - takes 20 minutes or so
• Electronically or
• Download the form (in English or Spanish) and submit it via mail & fax or hand deliver it to a DHS location.

DHS Q & A on the list: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/open/faqs.shtml

Comments

[anon.2]

Thanks for this important post & for always seeking input & ideas. I wonder if it might make sense to have a link to DHS along the righthand side under "Healthy Families."

[Lisa]

Good suggestion - thanks! I added it along with Mult Cty while I was at it. It's interesting how things evolve since when this forum started it was more about taking action to create change and less about being an info resource itself, but if it can serve as both, all the better! Reading the comments over on uM re who's reading and what they'd like to see has been very helpful and I will certainly call on it going forward!