How to apply
- Check the income limits. Compare your monthly income with ODHS's current chart (March 2026 to February 2027). Oregon has no asset limit. See Oregon's income limits.
- Make sure you have Part A. ODHS requires Medicare Part A. If you don't have it yet, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
- Apply online. Create a ONE account at one.oregon.gov (also reached from benefits.oregon.gov). The same application covers OHP, SNAP and the Medicare Savings Programs.
- Or apply on paper or in person. Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075 (TTY 711) to have an application mailed, visit a local ODHS office, or call ODHS Aging and People with Disabilities at 1-855-673-2372.
- Answer requests quickly. If ODHS asks for proof of income or other papers, send them by the date on the letter.
- Watch for your decision. ODHS says it lets you know within 45 days of the date you apply.
What to have ready
- Your Medicare card (to show Part A).
- Income information: Social Security, pensions, wages or other monthly income, for you and your spouse.
- Your address and contact details, so ODHS can reach you.
After you're approved
- QMB pays your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Show your Oregon Health ID card to providers so they don't bill you for Medicare cost sharing.
- SLMB (SMB) and QI (SMF) pay your Part B premium ($202.90 a month standard in 2026), so it stops coming out of your Social Security check once the state payment starts.
- Extra Help comes automatically with any of these programs, lowering Part D costs. See Extra Help in Oregon.
- Renewals: the Oregon Health Authority says OHP and Medicare Savings Program members will need to renew more often starting in late 2027. Open every letter from ODHS.
Once your savings program starts, you may want to review your Medicare coverage. To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
What are Oregon's income limits?
QMB, SLMB and QI by percent of poverty.
Will Oregon take my house?
Estate recovery and savings programs.
How do I get Extra Help?
Lower Part D costs.
Sources
- Oregon Department of Human Services — Medicare Savings Programs
- State of Oregon — ONE (apply for benefits)
- Oregon Health Authority — Federal changes to OHP (updated September 18, 2026)
- Medicare.gov — Help with drug costs
- CMS — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program
More questions in this guide
- Will Oregon take my house if I get help paying for Medicare?
- Does Oregon have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
- How do I get Extra Help paying for prescription drugs in Oregon?
- What are the Oregon Medicare Savings Program income limits?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Oregon · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Medicare Savings Program through Social Security?
Yes, indirectly. Medicare.gov says that when you apply for Extra Help, Social Security starts a Medicare Savings Program application with your state unless you opt out.
Do I need to list my savings?
Oregon has no asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs, so savings don't affect eligibility. Answer what the application asks.
What if I'm turned down?
Your notice explains the decision and how to ask for a hearing. You can reapply if your income drops or when the limits rise each March.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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