The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) seeks volunteers to join an advisory committee to help develop a new option for in-home services. This option will be called Agency with Choice and will launch in 2026.
Through Agency with Choice, older adults and people with disabilities who receive Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports may choose to work with a new type of agency to hire a direct-care worker. This new type of agency will help individuals hire an in-home care provider, complete all the required paperwork, train the provider and pay them.
Planning for the 2026 launch of Agency with Choice is underway. To support planning efforts, the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities is seeking volunteers to join the Consumer Advisory Committee on Agency with Choice to help guide the creation of the program. This committee will include individuals who receive Medicaid in-home services and will meet virtually every month.
ODHS is looking for volunteers to serve on the committee who:
- Currently receive Medicaid in-home services from a homecare worker, personal care attendant, or in-home care agency or have received these services in the past;
- Are older adults or adults with a physical disability or behavioral health need;
- Understand the value and potential benefits of in-home services;
- Have reliable internet or phone service for virtual meetings (no travel necessary);
- Will actively participate in discussions and provide feedback; and
- Will be able to consider the needs of all people who receive in-home help.
As many as 15 people will be selected for the committee to represent all parts of the state. People who are interested in joining may apply online at https://forms.office.com/g/JjW1hd5viY.
Applications must be submitted by August 5, 2024, to be considered for membership in the committee. For help completing the application or to ask a question, please send an email to: AWC.Info@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
How to get more information
If you want to learn more about Agency with Choice, please see the “initiatives and outreach” section on our web page: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/apd.aspx. Information will be added as it is available.
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support in finding Anna Gabriella Villarreal. She is a 15-year-old child in foster care who was last seen in Ontario on June 30. She was found July 23.
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
Captions for the attached photo files updated
(Salem) – Having enough to eat is crucial for good health and well-being. Yet hunger is a persistent problem across the country and here in Oregon. Feeding America reports that 1 in 6 children in Oregon face hunger. To help children get the food they need to thrive, the Oregon State Legislature approved the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to offer Summer EBT this year.
With support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Summer EBT provides eligible families $120 per child for groceries when school is out, and children lose access to food programs offered at schools. Help us spread the word—thousands of families may be eligible for this new benefit and not know it.
Thirty-seven states, all five U.S. territories, and two tribes have committed to making Summer EBT available to kids and families in their communities this summer. This initiative is backed by a decade of demonstration projects and rigorous evaluation showing that it works to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets, including increased consumption of whole grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables and decreased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Summer EBT works in tandem with other nutrition programs like the USDA Summer Nutrition Programs, Summer Food Oregon and Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder.
At a July 17 media event, representatives from ODHS, ODE, the USDA, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties and the Oregon Food Bank spoke to raise awareness about the new Summer EBT program. The Boys and Girls Clubs offer summer meals to children.
"Driven by the ongoing economic fallout of COVID-19, the end of pandemic safety nets and the rising cost of food and housing, we are in an ongoing hunger crisis,” said Sammi Teo, Public Policy Advocate at the Oregon Food Bank. “Last year, we saw 1.9 million visits to food assistance sites through the Oregon Food Bank Network — a 14 percent increase from the previous year and a record number of visits. For families facing food insecurity, June has long marked a time when kids no longer have easy access to breakfast and lunch at school. Many parents and caregivers must come up with at least 10 additional meals per week, per child. Summer EBT helps bridge the hunger gap during the summer. By having Summer EBT on a card that families can use when grocery shopping, they can better accommodate dietary needs and cultural preferences.
“There are many people who still don’t know about the program. There is a short window to apply, and there is a short window to use the benefits,” said USDA FNS Western Region Administrator Jesus Mendoza, Jr. “While it’s a new program nationwide, this program has been tested here in Oregon. We learned that this program does help address food insecurity for children during the summer months.”
ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said, “Just like Summer Learning addresses unfinished learning between school years, accelerates academic achievement and strengthens student well-being, Summer Meals keep students connected to proper nutrition so they can stay active and engaged while classes are out. And its why Oregon jumped at the chance to provide Summer EBT to eligible families this year. Giving our families more access to groceries during the summer means students will show up for the first day of class ready to learn."
ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “On June 28, 2024, more than 321,000 children were automatically enrolled in Summer EBT because they participate in other programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or receive services through Medicaid. So far, 322,500 children have received Summer EBT. This adds up to $38.7 million in federal funds that families are spending at grocery stores and farmers' markets in their communities.”
ODHS estimates another 30,000 children in Oregon may be eligible for Summer EBT if they apply. To be eligible, children must:
- Attend a school participating in the national school lunch or breakfast programs.
- Be in households with incomes at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
ODHS encourages families to visit the Summer EBT website in English and Spanish to review eligibility criteria. If a family believes their children may be eligible, please call the Summer EBT Call Center to verify that they need to apply. The Summer EBT Call Center number is 833-673-7328 and can provide customer service in many languages.
Families that need to apply can do so online in English or Spanish, or by email or regular mail in multiple languages.
Don’t delay—the deadline to apply is Sept. 2, 2024. Families have 122 days from the day they received Summer EBT food benefits before they expire. For example, if benefits were issued on June 28, 2024, families have until Oct. 28, 2024, to use Summer EBT benefits.
Speakers from the event:
- Sue Bloom, CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties
- Sammi Teo, Public Policy Advocate, Oregon Food Bank (she, her)
- Jesus Mendoza, Jr., USDA FNS Western Region Administrator
- Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director (he, him)
- Dr. Charlene Williams, ODE Director (she, her)
Video resources:
Additional resources:
- FAQ for families
- ODE 2024 Summer Meals news release
- Summer EBT flyer
- Speaker bios
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Lance Oyler, age 14, a child who went missing from Hillsboro on June 2. Lance is still missing and is believed to be in danger, ODHS is searching for him to assess his safety.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Lance and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him.
Lance is suspected to be in Hillsboro, Beaverton and Portland area. He may have an injured arm.
Name: Lance Oyler
Pronouns: He/him
Height: 121 pounds
Weight: 5-foot-4
Date of birth: Nov. 18, 2009
Eye color: Brown and green
Hair color: Light Brown
Hillsboro Police Department case #24-0010898
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2023214
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Marianna Bahena. She is a 2-year-old child who was last seen in Portland on July 11. She was found July 15.
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
In Oregon, 1 in 6 children face hunger. Oregon provides a range of summer meal options to make sure children remain healthy and thrive during summer break when many lose access to free and reduced-price school meals. Summer EBT is a new program that helps bridge the summer hunger gap for children in Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are holding a media availability to discuss the Summer EBT program. Oregon is among 37 states, all five U.S. territories, and two Tribes that have committed to making Summer EBT available to children and families this summer. This initiative is backed by a decade of demonstration projects and rigorous evaluation, showing that it effectively reduces child hunger and supports healthier diets—including increased consumption of whole grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, and decreased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
So far, more than 320,000 children in Oregon received Summer EBT benefits, totaling $38.5+ million. Another 30,000 children may be eligible for Summer EBT if their families apply before Sept. 2, 2024.
Representatives from ODHS, ODE, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem, Marion, and Polk counties and the Oregon Food Bank will speak to raise awareness about Summer EBT. Topics include hunger in Oregon, how to apply for Summer EBT and how enrollment works, and important deadlines for families.
Sue Bloom, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties, will host the event. The Clubs also offer summer meals on location.
Details:
- When: 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024
- What: Summer EBT program overview
- Where: Epping Homestead Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem, Marion and Polk counties. 3805 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, 97305
- Visuals: Children at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties, interviews with representatives.
List of speakers
- Jesus Mendoza, Jr., USDA FNS Western Region Administrator
- Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director (he, him)
- Dr. Charlene Williams, ODE Director (she, her)
- Sue Bloom, CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties
- Sammi Teo, Public Policy Advocate, Oregon Food Bank (she, her)
(Salem) – Marianna Bahena, age 2, went missing with her mother Gabrieal Mendez from Portland on July 11. Marianna is known to the State of Washington and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division. Marianna is believed to be in danger and has an injury that is in need of urgent medical care. ODHS is searching for Marianna to assess her safety.
ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Marianna. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Marianna or Gabrieal Mendez should call 911.
They are believed to be in Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington or Battle Ground, Washington.
Name: Marianna Bahena
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Aug. 25, 2021
Height: 40 inches
Weight: 29 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Marianna is with her mother Gabrieal Mendez. It is likely that they are also with Gabrieal Mendez’s 6-year-old son.
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Anna Gabriella Villarreal, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Ontario on June 30. Anna is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Anna and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Anna is suspected to be in Ontario or San Diego, California.
Name: Anna Gabriella Villarreal
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Nov. 19, 2008
Height: 5-foot-5
Weight: 126 pounds
Hair: Brown with a reddish tint
Eye color: Brown eyes
Other identifying information: Anna has a pierced left eyebrow and nose. She has small tattoos on her hands and ankles.
Ontario Police Department Case #24P05094
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2025440
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), along with the Oregon Health Authority, will hold a forum to receive feedback from the public on implementation of Oregon Project Independence - Medicaid (OPI-M).
OPI-M is being launched by the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities this year as a result of an 1115 Demonstration Waiver. This forum for public input is referred to as a Post-Award Public Forum by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is required by federal regulations. It will provide information on the implementation of OPI-M since the waiver was approved by CMS on Feb. 13, 2024, in addition to providing an opportunity for the public to provide feedback. OPI-M operates under the authority of section 1115(a) of the Social Security Act. The waiver is in effect from Feb. 13, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2029.
The forum will be held as a video conference on Zoom on Aug. 5, 2024, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Real-Time Captioning (CART) will also be provided. To request other accommodations, please contact Max Brown by email at Max.Brown@odhs.oregon.gov or by phone at 971-707-1019 no later than 48 hours prior to the forum.
Meeting: OPI-M Post-Award Public Forum
When: Aug. 5, 2024, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time
Where: Video conference meeting on Zoom
- To join by video conference: Join Zoom Meeting
- To join by phone: dial 669-254-5252; meeting ID: 161 701 1754; passcode: 664575
Additional resources and information about OPI-M:
- Draft Quarterly Monitoring Report (currently under CMS review)
- Read the ODHS news release: CMS approves expansion of program providing older adults and people with disabilities more options for support at home
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Nevaeh “Rihanna” Rohrbach, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Clackamas on June 21. Nevaeh is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Nevaeh and to contact 911, local law enforcement or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) if they believe they see her.
Nevaeh is suspected to be in the SE Portland area.
Name: Nevaeh “Rihanna” Rohrbach
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Sept. 6, 2008
Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 125 pounds
Hair: Light brown or blonde. Nevaeh frequently dyes her hair.
Eye color: Bluish-green
Other identifying information: Nevaeh has a tattoo of a cross on her left finger, a tattoo of a half-moon on her left hand, and a sad face tattoo on her right ankle. She also goes by Rihanna sometimes times.
Clackamas County Sheriff Office case #24-12779
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2025507
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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(Salem) – Las personas que viven en el condado de Deschutes y perdieron alimentos comprados con beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP por sus siglas en inglés) debido a los recientes incendios forestales tienen hasta el jueves 25 de julio de 2024 para solicitar los beneficios de reemplazo al Departamento de Servicios humanos de Oregon (Oregon Department of Human Services, ODHS por sus siglas en español).
El ODHS recibió la aprobación federal para extender el plazo normal de 10 días para solicitar beneficios de reemplazo con el fin de apoyar a los hogares del condado de Deschutes afectados por los incendios actuales. Los hogares fuera del condado de Deschutes deben seguir el proceso habitual y solicitar los beneficios de reemplazo dentro de los 10 días siguientes a la pérdida.
Cualquier persona que haya desechado alimentos comprados con beneficios de SNAP que fueron destruidos debido a un desastre puede solicitar beneficios de reemplazo por el costo de los alimentos perdidos. La cantidad máxima del reemplazo es igual al beneficio mensual normal de SNAP del hogar.
Los solicitantes deben estar preparados para proporcionar una lista de los alimentos perdidos, el costo de reemplazarlos, y puede que tengan que proporcionar pruebas del evento que destruyó los alimentos.
Puede solicitar sus beneficios de reemplazo de SNAP de las siguientes formas:
- Llamando al 800-699-9075
- Llenando un formulario de solicitud y enviándolo por correo electrónico a oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
- Visitando una oficina local de ODHS
Una vez que hayan sido aprobados, los beneficios de reemplazo se agregarán a la tarjeta Oregon Trail/de transferencia electrónica de beneficios (Electronic Benefits Transfer, EBT por sus siglas en inglés) existente del hogar.
Solicitudes de reemplazo para los beneficios de EBT de Verano
Las familias que participan en el nuevo programa de EBT de Verano para niños en edad escolar también pueden solicitar beneficios de reemplazo. No hay fecha límite para solicitar beneficios de reemplazo para el EBT de verano.
Para solicitar beneficios de reemplazo de EBT de Verano, llame al Centro de Llamadas de EBT de Verano al 1-833-673-7328. El centro de llamadas está abierto de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., hora del Pacífico. Si su hogar recibe tanto beneficios de SNAP como beneficios de EBT de Verano, el centro de llamadas puede ayudarle a solicitar beneficios de reemplazo para ambos al mismo tiempo.
Recursos para ayudarle a satisfacer sus necesidades básicas
- Encuentre una despensa de alimentos: Visite oregonfoodbank.org/es
- Obtenga más información acerca de los programas del gobierno y los recursos de la comunidad para adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades: Llame al 1-855-673-2372 o visite adrcoforegon.org.
- Encuentre más recursos cerca de usted: Marque 211, envíe un mensaje de texto con su código postal al 898-211, o visite 211info.org
Administrado por el ODHS, el SNAP es un programa federal que brinda asistencia de alimentos a aproximadamente 1 millón de familias y personas elegibles de bajos recursos en Oregon, incluyendo a muchos adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades. Cualquier persona de Oregon que lo necesite puede solicitar beneficios, incluyendo SNAP, cuidado de niños, asistencia en efectivo y Medicaid. Obtenga más información en beneficios.oregon.gov.
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(Salem) – People who live in Deschutes County and lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to recent wildfires have until Thursday, July 25, 2024 to request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
ODHS received federal approval to waive the usual 10-day replacement benefit request deadline to help support Deschutes County households impacted by ongoing fires. Households who live outside Deschutes County must follow the usual process and request replacement benefits within 10 days of the loss.
Anyone who disposed of food bought with SNAP benefits that was destroyed due to a disaster can request replacement benefits for the cost of the lost food. The maximum replacement amount is equal to the household's normal monthly SNAP benefit.
Requestors should be prepared to provide a list of the lost food, the cost to replace it, and may have to provide proof of the event that destroyed the food.
Replacement SNAP benefits may be requested by:
- Calling 800-699-9075
- Filling out a request form and emailing it to oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
- Visiting a local ODHS office
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the households’ existing Oregon Trail / Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Summer EBT replacement benefit requests
Families participating in the new Summer EBT program for school-aged children can also request replacement benefits. There is no deadline for requesting replacement Summer EBT benefits.
To request replacement Summer EBT benefits, call the Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. If your household receives both SNAP and Summer EBT food benefits, the Call Center can help you with replacement requests for both at the same time.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: Visit oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org.
- Find more resources near you: Dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211info.org
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov.
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(Salem) – Cooling centers are opening across Oregon to help people beat the heat during excessively high temperatures this week. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working with 211info to get information out and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in Oregon, especially those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
"Our top priority is health and safety during this heat wave," said Ed Flick, Director of the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM). "We urge everyone to look out for one another and use the resources available. If you or someone you know is not safe in their home due to heat, call 211 or visit 211info.org to locate cooling centers and other hot weather resources in your area. If you are concerned someone is having a medical emergency, call 911."
ODHS is working closely with local partners to ensure that the cooling centers around the state are staffed and equipped. The agency is prioritizing the distribution of resources like water bottles, climate control systems like air conditioners and more to these locations to address immediate health concerns and prevent heat-related illnesses. As of July 4, ODHS has delivered 14 pallets, or 1,176 cases, of water bottles to partners serving vulnerable populations, like churches, shelters and community-based organizations.
In addition, ODHS and 211info have partnered with some transportation services to offer rides to cooling centers. Call 211 to check what transportation options are available near you.
“211info is available 24/7, and our team is ready to answer questions about heat-related resources, cooling centers, and transportation options," said Kerry Hoeschen, 211info’s statewide Emergency Management Director. "We’ve also increased our staffing levels to ensure timely responses to calls."
ODHS is also working with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and community-based organizations to distribute air conditioning units to help people in need stay cool. As of July 4, ODHS has distributed 616 units to community-based organizations. This initiative is separate from the program OHA reported on earlier this week, as ODHS delivers units to people and communities who may not be Oregon Health Plan recipients. The agencies anticipate delivery of more than 1,500 units over the course of the heat event.
To locate cooling centers in your area:
- Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155
- Help is available 24 hours per day / 7 days per week
- Visit 211info.org
- Click on the globe on the top right to select your preferred language.
- Click the house icon for housing and shelter, then click “severe weather shelter” and “extreme heat cooling centers,” or visit 211info.org/summer-and-heat-related-resources
- Enter your zip code to search for cooling centers in your area.
If your organization has cooling options, like clean water, splash pads, or shelter available:
- Call 211info’s Resource Team at 503-416-2698;
- Or email support@211info.org
The Oregon Department of Human Services works with partners across the state to help people in Oregon during emergencies. When an emergency happens, our role is to help people find food, shelter and meet other basic needs. The Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) coordinates this work at ODHS.
211info helps Oregon and SW Washington communities identify, navigate, and connect with local health and social services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Contacting 211 connects to live agents who offer confidential support and live translation services in over 240 languages.
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Salem, OR – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved the expansion of an Oregon Department of Human Services’ (ODHS) program that gives older adults and people with disabilities more options for support to continue to live independently in their own home.
With the approval, the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) can launch a new version of its Oregon Project Independence (OPI) program that will be supported with Medicaid funds. The program expansion will begin by serving individuals who have been on waiting lists for support from OPI. New applications for services could be accepted as early as spring 2025.
Winning CMS approval for this expansion represents a significant step forward for ODHS as it strives to provide Oregonians with more choices by introducing innovative solutions. OPI was among the first programs of its kind when it was introduced in Oregon in 1975. As the program is expanded, it continues to be among only a few programs like it nationally.
“ODHS is committed to providing Oregonians with options that best fit their needs. For many, the expansion of Oregon Project Independence means they will be able to stay in their current home for years to come,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.
Camille Dobson, Deputy Executive Director of ADvancing States, added, “Oregon joins several states that have received Medicaid funds to serve individuals who would otherwise not meet Medicaid’s eligibility requirements but need limited supports in order to live independently in the community. As the national association who represents state aging and disability agencies, we are heartened by CMS’ recognition of these needs and hope that other states with similar programs will follow Oregon’s lead.”
The new program, which is called Oregon Project Independence - Medicaid (OPI-M), will:
- Provide an option for older adults to receive Medicaid-funded services without any estate recovery requirement following a recipient’s death. Estate recovery requires that the assets an individual leaves behind following their death are used to cover the cost of the services received. Eliminating estate recovery supports ODHS’ goal to find ways to support the financial stability of families by making it possible for generations to pass down life savings; and
- Increase the income limit for individuals to qualify for Medicaid-funded services and supports. This means that more people could qualify for in-home services and supports.
Eligibility for OPI-M will be open to adults with physical disabilities aged 18 and older, as well as individuals aged 60 and older, who meet specific criteria, including income and asset limits.
People who receive OPI-M can access home-based services such as in-home support and personal care services, adult day services, home delivered meals, assisted transportation and assistive technology. While Oregon’s original OPI sometimes requires that participants pay a fee to participate, OPI-M services are fully covered by Medicaid funding and participants will not have to pay a fee to receive services or be subject to estate recovery following their death. People enrolled in the original state-funded OPI, who choose to remain in that program, will continue to receive approved services, ensuring continuity of care. Those who choose to move to OPI-M, the Medicaid funded program, will be able to do so.
“Oregon Project Independence - Medicaid will open doors for more older adults and people with disabilities to receive the support they require without the burden of fees or estate recovery, which can serve as a barrier for some people to receive help and perpetuate intergenerational poverty,” said APD Deputy Director of Policy Jane-ellen Weidanz, who led development of OPI-M.
For more information about OPI-M visit: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/seniors-disabilities/pages/1115-demonstration-waiver.aspx.
About the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities: APD’s vision is to ensure Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families experience person-centered services, supports and early interventions that are innovative and help maintain independence, promote safety, wellbeing, honor choice, respect cultural preferences, and uphold dignity.
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(Salem) – Lance Oyler went missing from Hillsboro on June 2, 2024. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes he may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.
ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Lance. It is possible he is in Brookings, downtown Portland, outer NE Portland, or Hillsboro.
Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Lance should call 911 or local law enforcement immediately.
Name: Lance Oyler
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: November 18, 2009
Eye color: Brown/Green
Hair color: Light Brown
Law enforcement agency and case # Hillsboro Police Department 24-0010898
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2023214
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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