What changes at 65
| If you have | What OHA says happens |
|---|---|
| OHP Plus | Medicare becomes your primary coverage; you keep OHP until you renew. |
| OHP Bridge | Ends for most members at 65 or when Medicare starts. Some American Indian and Alaska Native members may keep it until the next renewal. |
At renewal, the state checks whether you still qualify, now as someone with Medicare. If your income and resources are within OHP's limits for people 65 and older, you keep full OHP. If not, you may still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, which pays Medicare costs and has no asset limit in Oregon.
What to do before you turn 65
- Sign up for Medicare. Your initial enrollment period runs seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, that month and three months after. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov. See turning 65 in Oregon.
- Tell ODHS. OHA says to ask your local Aging and People with Disabilities or Area Agency on Aging office for help as soon as you know Medicare is coming. You can also call 1-855-673-2372.
- Get Part D drug coverage. Most OHP members with Medicare have "OHP with Limited Drug," which doesn't cover drugs Part D covers. With OHP you get Extra Help automatically to lower Part D costs.
- Answer every renewal letter. Report your Medicare and income so ODHS can move you to the right program.
After Medicare starts
- Your CCO stays the same. OHA says your CCO won't change when you get Medicare. See do I keep my CCO.
- Medicare pays first, OHP second. OHP can help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance.
- No six-month renewals. OHA says the six-month renewals coming under federal law apply only to adults 19 to 64 without Medicare. It also says OHP and Medicare Savings Program members will need to renew more often starting in late 2027.
- Losing OHP opens a Medicare window. If you lose OHP, you get a special enrollment period to change your Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage.
You may also be able to join a dual special needs plan that works with OHP. See what is a D-SNP. To compare Medicare options with OHP in mind, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Can I have Medicare and OHP?
How the two work together.
Do I keep my CCO with Medicare?
What changes and what doesn't.
Does OHP pay my Medicare premiums?
Part B, Part A and Part D.
Sources
- Oregon Health Authority — Continuous eligibility (OHP Plus and OHP Bridge at 65)
- Oregon Health Authority — OHP and Medicare
- Oregon Health Authority — Federal changes to OHP (updated September 18, 2026)
- Social Security — Sign up for Medicare
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods
More questions in this guide
- Can I have Medicare and the Oregon Health Plan?
- Do I keep my CCO when I get Medicare in Oregon?
- Does OHP pay my Medicare Part B premium?
- How do I qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Oregon?
- What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid in Oregon?
- What is a dual special needs plan (D-SNP) in Oregon?
- What is Oregon Project Independence and who qualifies?
Part of the guide: Oregon Health Plan and Medicare: combined coverage · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sign up for Medicare if I have OHP?
Yes, plan on it. Medicare becomes your primary coverage, and OHA tells members to ask their local Aging and People with Disabilities or Area Agency on Aging office for help as soon as they know Medicare is coming.
Will my CCO change when I get Medicare?
No. OHA says that if you get Medicare while you have OHP, your CCO will not change.
Do OHP work rules apply to me after 65?
No. OHA says the new federal work and activity rules don't apply to adults 65 and older or to people who have, or qualify for, Medicare Part A or B.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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