Low-income Oregonians have a chance for health care coverage

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are spreading the word to low-income Oregonians that they have an opportunity for health care. The 2009 Legislature provided funding for coverage for an additional 35,000 low-income Oregon adults through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). However, DHS estimates there are approximately 140,000 Oregonians whose incomes would qualify them for this coverage.

To ensure everyone qualified has an equal opportunity for the coverage, state health workers are trying to reach as many people as possible to let them know it is available. Anyone who contacts the state will be added to the Oregon Health Plan reservation list, which will be the source of monthly drawings for health care coverage. People who qualify, based on income status and other factors, will be able to join the Oregon Health Plan Standard insurance coverage.

To add your name to the list, go to http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/open or call 1-800-699-9075. You can also go to a local Department of Human Services office to request a reservation packet. Local county health departments, most hospitals and health care clinics also have reservation packets.

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America’s Children Still Need Health Reform

As Oregon celebrates our victories, we must not lose sight of our national reform efforts. We have proven what kind of success we can have when we come together as a state. Now we must come together as a country because America’s children are counting on us.

The recent election in Massachusetts hasn’t changed the fact that more than eight million children nationwide lack health coverage. And it doesn’t mean that we stop fighting for them.
Now is the crucial time. Without a House vote on the Senate-passed health bill, families will not see comprehensive health reform this year. Your voice can make the difference.

Tell your U.S. Representative to support health reform, because doing nothing is not an answer. Nor will piecemeal fixes later on change the game. Families face skyrocketing health costs and slashed budgets for state health services, even as unemployment remains high. Only the comprehensive approach of the health reform bill can fix the system for working families and vulnerable communities.

Call your representatives toll-free at 1-866-277-7617 and tell them:

Children and families need comprehensive health care reform NOW.

As someone concerned about children, I demand that the House vote on the Senate-passed health reform bill.  Children and families can’t wait any longer.

Find your representative here

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Measures 66 & 67 PASS with a sweeping majority!

In an historic election, Oregonians from all corners of the state voted to protect our most vulnerable citizens during their most difficult times. With the passage of ballot measures 66 & 67,we came together as a state. We decided maintaining vital services for working families was more important than providing tax breaks to wealthy individuals and corporations.

Thank you for helping ensure bright futures for Oregon kids and families. Together, we protected:

• Child welfare programs that keep kids safe
• Child care assistance that keep parents working
• Health care programs that keep children healthy and ready to learn…..

and so much more! We couldn’t have done it without you.

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Access to Health Care for Kids… Sign-Up Now

On August 4th, Oregon’s governor signed into law sweeping legislation that will provide health care coverage to 95 percent of Oregon’s uninsured children over the next two years.  This historic legislation not only means that Oregon’s kids will have the health care coverage they need to grow and thrive, but it also puts Oregon at the front of the line for federal health care dollars.  Oregon is leading the way in improving the quality and access to care for Oregonians through coverage that is good for family budgets and the state budget.

Apply today!
Click here to fill out an online application.
Or call 1-877-314-5678 to have an application mailed to you or for information.

The Healthy Kids plan is being rolled out in three phases, beginning now and continuing through January 2010.

TODAY - Children in families with income up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($40,792.50 for a family of four) can enroll.

BEGINNING OCTOBER 2009 - Coverage will extend to children in families up to 200% FPL ($44,100 for a family of four).

BEGINNING JANUARY 2010 - Children in families between 200% and 300% FPL ($44,100 to 66,150 for a family of four) will be ableto enroll in coverage with premium assistance and children in families above 300% FPL will be able to buy into the program at full cost.

No matter where your family fits in, apply today! Early applications will help us enroll your children faster.

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2009 Legislature has adjourned—How did kids do?

The 2009 Legislative Session just adjourned. Although the economic crisis resulted in cuts to many important programs and services, the good news is that lawmakers had the same priority as the rest of us: protecting children and helping vulnerable Oregonians through this difficult time.

More Oregonians than ever before are struggling in this difficult economy and demand for services has hit record levels and will probably continue to grow. Cash assistance (TANF), food stamps and the Oregon Health Plan have all experienced double digit increases. Drastic cuts in health and human services at this time of increased need would only cost us more in the long run, so the legislature rose to the challenge and made sure Oregonians will get the help they need.

Lawmakers found every way possible to maximize state resources, leverage federal stimulus dollars and make sure wealthy individuals and large, profitable corporations will pay their fair share. This resulted in a number of crucial wins for Oregon kids!

Expanded health care coverage for 80,000 additional Oregon children. Families will now have the peace of mind knowing that childhood bumps and bruises won’t turn into life-long health problems, and medical emergencies won’t drive families into bankruptcy.

Stopped many deep budget cuts that would have devastated vulnerable children and their families. Although there are still many devastating cuts in human services, the legislature did not significantly reduce eligibility for Employment Related Day Care and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families as originally discussed.

Protected and enhanced many aspects of the child welfare system that helps kids stay out of foster care or return home faster. Specifically services that address the reasons families come into the system, helping to keep families together whenever possible.

Please visit our website for more legislative accomplishments and specifics on children’s victories this session.

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Victory for Oregon’s Children!

Today was a great day for Oregon’s children and families. Oregon lawmakers passed sweeping legislation that will provide health care coverage to 95 percent of Oregon’s uninsured children over the next two years.

This is a tremendous victory that means 80,000 more children will gain access to the health coverage they need, and Oregon is once again leading the way when it comes to health care.

In addition to the important vote for children’s health coverage, lawmakers approved a revenue package that will save crucial services for children and families in the midst of the worst financial crisis our state has faced in decades. Although $1.6 billion will still be cut from the state budget, this revenue package will protect many of the critical services that remain.

Work remains, but today let’s take a minute to celebrate these momentous legislative victories for our children.

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Join the Women for Change Network

Become a member of the Women for Change Network today!  The Women for Change Network is a group of women who are committed to helping support the health and wellness of Oregon’s most vulnerable children.  It is about connecting like-minded women to face the biggest issues for kids and families, because together we can create broad, long-lasting change.  Benefits include receiving ‘members only’ action alerts, advocacy training, and invitations to in-person policy briefings/happy hours.  Click here to for more information about how to become a member.

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