What H.R. 1 Means for Oregon Health Plan Members August 10, 2026 Big changes are coming to Medicaid over the next year, and IHN-CCO is working closely with state officials to help our communities navigate these new rules while maintaining coverage for members who depend on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Congress passed H.R. 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” in 2025. The sweeping legislation includes new work requirements and policy changes for Medicaid that could affect the eligibility of thousands of OHP members. In response, the Oregon Health Authority and CCOs have been examining what these changes mean, how to implement the changes, and how to communicate with our local partners. While many details are still being worked out, here is what you need to know about H.R. 1 and how it may impact the people you serve. What Is H.R. 1? H.R. 1 is not a quick or easy read. The bill is 330 pages of tax and spending measures, including more than $1.2 trillion in federal cuts to Medicaid. These Medicaid provisions are being phased in gradually, though several major changes are on the horizon that will directly affect members’ enrollment and eligibility in OHP. What Is Changing? For the first time beginning in 2027, approximately 33,000 adult IHN-CCO members enrolled through the Medicaid expansion population will need to demonstrate qualifying work or activity to obtain or maintain their coverage. (This estimate is based on OHA enrollment data for June 2026.) A person can meet these requirements by earning more than $580 in monthly household income; being in school at least part-time; or a combination of work, volunteer, education or training programs adding up to 80 hours per month. These new work requirements will not apply to all members. Exemptions include: Anyone under the age of 19 or 65 and over. Main caretakers of children under the age of 14, or someone with a disabling health condition of any age. People with disabilities or certain medical conditions. People who have chronic substance use disorders or who are currently in treatment. People who are American Indian/Alaska Native. Those who are pregnant or up to one year after pregnancy. People who were incarcerated in the last three months. In addition, certain OHP members will need to renew more frequently beginning in 2027. Adults in the affected group will need to renew every six months. This is a significant change from Oregon’s current continuous eligibility rules, under which most members renew every two years and children under age 6 generally remain eligible until their sixth birthday. More frequent renewals mean eligible members will need to pay closer attention to notices from OHA and respond on time. Six-month re-enrollments apply to adults who: Are between the ages of 19 and 64. Do not have Medicare or an OHP program based on a disability. Are not American Indian/Alaska Native. Other OHP members, including children, will generally need to renew once every year. Oregon is still waiting for guidance on when the new renewal schedules will begin in 2027. How Community Partners Can Help While H.R. 1 establishes new federal requirements, Oregon is still working with federal officials to determine exactly how these changes will be implemented. IHN-CCO will continue to provide outreach and education as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, it is now more important than ever for our members to have trusted, local help completing their renewals, responding to eligibility notices and submitting required information. That is why we are encouraging our partners, including nonprofit organizations and community groups, to consider becoming OHP-certified application assisters. As an application assister, you can help people: Complete and submit OHP applications and renewals. Gather and submit required documentation. Respond to requests from OHA and the Department of Human Services. Check on the status of an application or renewal. Update information in the ONE Eligibility System. Work through eligibility and enrollment problems. If you are interested, OHA has more information about how to become a certified assister. How Oregon implements H.R. 1 will be one of the most significant changes in recent years, but our commitment to OHP members remains the same. IHN-CCO will continue working alongside OHA, providers and community partners to share timely updates, connect members with local resources and help eligible individuals maintain the coverage they need. For the most current guidance, please refer to OHA and other applicable public health authorities. As updates become available, we will share information and tools to support the people and communities we serve. What Members Can Do Now If an IHN-CCO member reaches out to you, here’s what they can do today: Ask for help from a certified application assister if they have questions. Make sure OHA has their current mailing address and phone number. Read and respond promptly to any notices about their coverage.
