IHN-CCO Member Guidance

We’re Here for You During Federal Policy Changes

In July 2025, a new federal law was passed. This law changes Medicaid (OHP) and SNAP (food help). These changes could affect your benefits.  We understand that these changes can be confusing, and you may have questions.  IHN is committed to helping everyone get the care they need – no matter their income, race, background, gender, immigration status, or who they love.  You matter. You belong. You are not alone.         

We hope that this page will help you:

  • Learn what’s changing.
  • See how it may affect you.
  • Understand how IHN-CCO is here to help.    

It is also important to understand that IHN-CCO operates under the policies of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).  Visit OHA’s online resource, which may contain more up-to-date or detailed information.

Update: Federal Law Changes

Understand what is changing under new federal laws with the following examples:

Your OHP Renewal Will Happen More Often (Starting at the end of 2026)

  • Adults: Must renew OHP every 6 months.
  • Children: Must renew once a year.
  • If you miss or are late with paperwork, you might lose OHP coverage — even if you still qualify.

There Will Be New Work Rules To Keep Your OHP Coverage (Start Date To Be Determined)

  • This may start in Oregon some time over 2026-2028; Oregon Health Authority will provide updates when they can.
  • Some adults ages 19 to 64 may have to report paid or volunteer work.
  • This rule does not apply to people with serious health problems or disabilities.

Medicaid Payments to Planned Parenthood Are Uncertain

  • Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood were impacted by the new law, but lawsuits are challenging this.
  • Meanwhile, you can still get care at Planned Parenthood.

Potential SNAP Changes (Food Benefits) (Starting 2026)

  • The amount of help you get may change.
  • Adults ages 18–65, including Native American tribal members, may need to work or volunteer to keep SNAP benefits.

Update: Data & Privacy Issues

  • The Federal government has been seeking more information about people with Oregon Health Plan and Healthier Oregon. Oregon has not agreed to give more information than what the law requires.
  • In July of 2025, the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) signed an agreement giving Federal immigration officials access to Medicaid data.

What This Means for You in Simple Terms

  • If you received medical care in Oregon, your health records are still protected by HIPAA. But Medicaid data — including some medical history — is now accessible to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through that agreement.
  • Because of this change, there may be a risk of some information being visible to Federal enforcement, especially if tied to Medicaid enrollment.

To protect your privacy to the best of our abilities, IHN-CCO has paused collecting new data on gender, race, or identity, including information related to LGBTQIA2S+ identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do these federal changes affect my OHP?

You may need to turn in paperwork more often to keep your health coverage. Some adults may also have to work or volunteer each month, but these rules are not active yet.

2. Will I still get the care I need?

There are no reductions in covered services. Health care services previously covered by OHP, including gender-affirming care, are still covered under OHP.

3. What is IHN-CCO doing to protect members like me?

We are working with others across the state to keep coverage in place and to make sure health care stays safe, accessible, and confidential.

4. What should I do if I get a letter about my OHP?

Call us right away. We’ll help explain what it means and walk you through next steps.

5. Does OHP still cover gender-affirming care?

Yes. Oregon law still protects access to gender-affirming care, and IHN-CCO covers these services. You are seen, respected and affirmed.

6. What if I’m afraid of losing OHP?

Call us. We will connect you with programs that can help.

7. Will my gender identity be respected in medical records?

IHN-CCO works with all our participating health care providers to advocate that your affirmed name and gender are used in your health records, and your identity is respected.

8.  Can I find LGBTQIA2S+ affirming providers?

Yes. IHN-CCO works with providers who offer safe, affirming care. Contact us, and we’ll help you find one.

9. Can I still get birth control or abortion care?

Yes. In Oregon, these services are still legal and covered.

10. Will my reproductive health records be shared?

If you received care that was legal in Oregon, your records are still protected.

11. Will my information be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?

IHN-CCO would not share your health information unless a judge orders us to. But a new agreement between Medicaid and ICE means some data might now be shared at the national level.

12. Can ICE come into a Samaritan clinic or hospital?

Samaritan Health Services would only allow this in its locations if ordered by a judge.  

We can help you find trusted legal help:

14. You can reach out to any of these groups for help:

15. What if I face discrimination at a clinic?

You have the right to be treated with respect. If you are treated unfairly, call us. We’ll help you file a complaint and find legal help:

  • Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Civil Rights Division: 971-673-0764.
  • Disability Rights Oregon: 503-243-2081.

16. What if I need help right away?

Call IHN-CCO Member Services or a Community Health Navigator:

Community Health Navigators (for additional healthcare access help):

*In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

You matter.  You belong.  You are not alone.

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