In an effort to extend healthcare services to more residents, Oregon has recently broadened its Medicaid coverage. Under the new policy, individuals earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level can access free medical, dental, and mental health services. The goal is to increase the number of beneficiaries by 100,000 by the year 2027.
Oregon Medicaid Expansion – Free Coverage for 100,000 More Residents by 2027
Oregon has expanded its Medicaid program, making coverage more accessible to people and families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line. The Washington Examiner reports that this extension will provide free medical, dental, and mental health care to almost 100,000 additional residents by 2027.
This expansion makes Oregon the first state to provide such comprehensive Medicaid coverage at no cost to recipients. The federal government will finance the majority of the costs, with Oregon covering the remainder. Each year, they hope to get approximately $500 million from the federal government to support the program, with Oregon paying $10 million each.
Oregon’s Medicaid Coverage Expansion Aims to Save Costs and Improve Health Outcomes
According to health officials, providing healthcare coverage to people can result in long-term cost savings. This is because early access to healthcare can help prevent health problems that may require more expensive treatments later on. Dr. Sejal Hathi, the leader of the Oregon Health Authority, believes that expanding coverage can improve overall health and reduce disparities in healthcare access, which is vital for promoting the health and well-being of people throughout the state.
