Oregon's Medicaid program, called the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), offers one of the strongest child coverage protections in the country. Children enrolled in OHP before their sixth birthday do not need to renew until they turn six, regardless of income changes or other household shifts. This rule, known as continuous eligibility, keeps kids covered through their most critical developmental years without the disruption of annual paperwork.
Understanding exactly how this works, who qualifies, and what changes are coming in 2027 can help Oregon families protect their children's coverage and avoid unnecessary gaps.
What Is OHP Continuous Eligibility for Children?
Continuous eligibility means that once a child is enrolled in OHP, the state cannot terminate coverage mid-period based on income changes, job changes, or most other household circumstances. Oregon implemented this protection through a federal Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver, which allows states to experiment with Medicaid rules beyond standard federal requirements.
For children enrolled before age six, coverage runs continuously until the child's sixth birthday. If more than two years pass before their sixth birthday (which applies to children enrolled very young), the continuous period lasts until age six. For children who enroll at or after age six, they receive a two-year continuous eligibility period from the date of enrollment or renewal.
The practical effect: a family that qualifies when their toddler is 18 months old does not need to re-verify eligibility every year. The child keeps coverage through age six even if the parent gets a raise, changes jobs, or experiences other income fluctuations that would normally trigger a redetermination.
OHP Income Limits for Children in 2026
OHP uses income-based thresholds tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Children may qualify under standard Medicaid (OHP Plus) or through Oregon's CHIP program at higher income levels.
OHP Plus Income Limits for Children (138% FPL)
Effective March 1, 2026, children ages 1 through 18 qualify for OHP Plus if household income falls at or below these monthly limits:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $2,488 |
| 3 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $4,449 |
| 6 | $5,102 |
| Each additional | +$652 |
Infants under 12 months qualify at a higher threshold of 190% FPL:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (Infants) |
|---|
| 1 | $2,527 |
| 2 | $3,425 |
| 3 | $4,326 |
| 4 | $5,225 |
| Each additional | +$898 |
CHIP Income Limits for Children (305% FPL)
Children whose family income exceeds the OHP Plus limit may still qualify through Oregon's CHIP program at up to 305% FPL. This covers many working families who earn too much for standard Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (CHIP) |
|---|
| 1 | $4,056 |
| 2 | $5,499 |
| 3 | $6,944 |
| 4 | $8,387 |
| 5 | $9,830 |
| Each additional | +$1,442 |
A family of four with a gross monthly income of $7,500 would not qualify for OHP Plus but would still be eligible for CHIP coverage. Children enrolled through CHIP also benefit from continuous eligibility under OHP's waiver protections.
How the Under-6 Rule Works in Practice
When OHP approves a child's coverage, the notice sent to the family specifies the Continuous Eligibility Period. For young children, this end date is the child's sixth birthday.
During this period, the family should still report major household changes, such as moving out of Oregon, gaining access to employer-sponsored insurance, or changes that affect immigration status. However, an income increase alone will not end the child's coverage before the period ends.
A few situations can still trigger coverage termination even during a continuous period:
- The child moves out of Oregon permanently
- The family does not respond to a request for required documentation (such as Social Security number verification for children turning one year old)
- The child passes away
- The family requests termination
- The child becomes eligible for Medicare
Outside of these circumstances, the state cannot end coverage during the continuous eligibility window.
After the Sixth Birthday: What Happens
When a child turns six, OHP initiates a renewal. The family receives a notice and must complete the renewal process to continue coverage. If income still falls within the OHP Plus threshold (138% FPL), the child qualifies for another two-year continuous period. If income falls within CHIP limits, the child continues under CHIP.
Families should watch for renewal notices in the months leading up to the child's sixth birthday. Missing the renewal window can result in a gap in coverage even if the child would otherwise qualify.
After the renewal, children six and older receive two-year continuous eligibility periods going forward, rather than the birthday-based protection they had under age six.
How to Apply for OHP Coverage for Your Child
Applying for OHP is free and open year-round. There is no enrollment deadline and no open enrollment period for Medicaid. Families can apply at any time.
Step 1: Gather documentation
Collect the following before starting the application:
- Proof of Oregon residency (utility bill, lease, or similar)
- Child's Social Security number (if available)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Household income information (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters)
- Birth certificate for the child
Step 2: Choose an application method
Oregon offers several ways to apply:
- Online: Apply through ONE at one.oregon.gov. This is the fastest option and allows you to check application status.
- Phone: Call OHP Client Services at 1-800-699-9075. Representatives are available in multiple languages.
- In person: Visit a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office. A list of offices is available at oregon.gov/dhs.
- By mail: Download and submit a paper application through the OHA website.
Step 3: Complete the application
The application asks about household size, income sources, and the child's information. For children, you will need the child's date of birth and Social Security number. If you do not have an SSN for your child, OHP can still process the application, but you will need to provide one within a certain period.
Step 4: Await a decision
OHP is required to process standard applications within 45 days. Applications for children and pregnant women are processed faster, often within days. If OHP needs more information, they will contact you.
Step 5: Confirm enrollment and review the notice
Once approved, OHP mails a notice that includes the Continuous Eligibility Period dates. Keep this notice. The end date listed is when the next renewal will be required.
What Is Changing in 2027
Federal legislation passed in 2025 (known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act") imposes new requirements on state Medicaid programs. These changes will affect Oregon's continuous eligibility protections starting in late 2027 and into 2028.
Under the new federal rules:
- Children will move to annual renewals instead of two-year periods
- The extended grace period tied to the sixth birthday will end
- Adults ages 19 to 64 will be required to renew every six months
The Trump administration also indicated in 2025 that it would not renew or extend continuous eligibility waivers for children beyond their current approval period. Oregon's waiver runs through 2027, which is why the changes are not immediate.
Children are explicitly exempt from new work requirements included in the federal legislation. The work rules apply only to able-bodied adults between ages 19 and 64.
For now, all existing continuous eligibility protections remain in place through 2026 and into 2027. Families with children currently enrolled under the under-6 rule are not affected until the federal changes take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oregon OHP continuous eligibility rule for children?
Children enrolled in OHP before age six keep their coverage continuously until their sixth birthday, even if family income increases or other circumstances change. Children who enroll at or after age six receive a two-year continuous eligibility period from the date of enrollment or renewal.
Does my child need to renew OHP before turning six?
No. If your child is enrolled in OHP before age six, no renewal is needed until the sixth birthday. OHP will send a renewal notice as that date approaches.
What income level qualifies a child for OHP in Oregon?
Children ages 1 through 18 qualify for OHP Plus at household incomes up to 138% FPL (approximately $3,795 per month for a family of four as of March 2026). Children in families earning up to 305% FPL (approximately $8,387 per month for a family of four) may qualify through Oregon's CHIP program.
Can my child lose OHP coverage during the continuous eligibility period?
Yes, but only in limited circumstances: if the child moves out of Oregon, if the family does not respond to required documentation requests, if the child becomes eligible for Medicare, if the family requests termination, or if the child passes away. An income increase alone will not end coverage during the continuous period.
What happens when the federal waiver changes take effect in 2027?
Starting in late 2027, Oregon will be required to move children to annual renewals and will no longer be able to extend coverage through the sixth birthday under the current waiver structure. Children will still qualify based on income, but coverage will require yearly renewal rather than birthday-based continuity.
How do I apply for OHP for my child?
Apply online at one.oregon.gov, call 1-800-699-9075, or visit a local ODHS office. There is no enrollment deadline. Most child applications are processed within days of submission.
Does OHP cover all children regardless of immigration status?
OHP covers children who are U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants. Oregon also provides emergency Medicaid services for children regardless of immigration status. Contact OHP at 1-800-699-9075 for specifics based on your situation.
What is the difference between OHP Plus and CHIP in Oregon?
OHP Plus is the standard Medicaid program covering children and adults at or below 138% FPL. CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program) extends coverage to children in families with incomes up to 305% FPL. Both programs operate through OHP and share the same application process. The continuous eligibility protections apply to children enrolled under either program.
Oregon's continuous eligibility rule is a significant protection for families with young children. If your child is under six and not yet enrolled, applying now locks in coverage until their sixth birthday, regardless of what happens to household income in the interim. Use the free benefits screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check eligibility and get personalized guidance for your household. You can also find Oregon-specific program details on the Oregon benefits page.
