How to Sign Up for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) as a Trans Person Who Deserves Good Healthcare ✨
Hey QT — welcome to Oregon! You’ve made it, and we’re sooo glad you’re here.
Doesn’t matter if you’ve just landed or have been here a while, getting healthcare set up can be… a lot. The good news? Oregon’s got your back. The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) covers medical, dental, behavioral health, and gender-affirming care — and it’s free if you qualify.
This guide will walk you through how to apply (simple! For the most part!).
🤒 First Things First: Make a ONE Account
Apply online at ONE.Oregon.gov
Click “Apply Now” and follow the prompts to set up your ONE account. You’ll need:
Legal name + birthdate
Contact info
A lil patience with government websites
If you get stuck, call the tech support line: 1-833-978-1073 (they’re human).
Things you don’t need? A Permanent Address.
💅 What You’ll Need to Apply
You can do this online, in person, over the phone, or by paper mail — choose what feels best.
Whichever route you take, here’s what you’ll need nearby:
✦ Birthdate & full legal name
✦ Social Security Number (if you have one)
✦ Info about your income + deductions (paystubs, etc.)
✦ Immigration status docs (if applicable)
✦ Info about any health insurance you already have access to
👉 Pro tip: You can also apply for SNAP (food stamps) at the same time through the same portal!
🌈 Yes, OHP Knows You’re Trans
The application includes space for your gender identity (yay!).
This helps match you with the right care down the road.
🧠 Wait—What Does OHP Cover?
So glad you asked:
Primary care (like checkups and hormone prescriptions)
Dental care (because trans smiles are beautiful)
Behavioral health (mental health for all the QTs)
Gender-affirming care (HRT, surgeries)
Your care will be coordinated by a CCO (Coordinated Care Organization) — like your local healthcare buddy. Once you’re signed up, they’ll help you find providers who respect and understand trans care. But also check out GenderGuide.org or holler in the Trans PDX Discord for peer recommendations.
Questions about what’s covered?
Call OHP Client Services: 1-800-273-0557
OHP Plus:
Who it's for:
Oregonians with lower incomes, including working families, children, pregnant adults, single adults, and seniors who meet the income requirements.
What it covers:
Medical, dental, mental health care, and help with substance use disorders or addiction.
Cost:
No member costs, meaning no premiums, co-payments, coinsurance, or deductibles.
OHP Bridge:
Who it's for:
Adults with income between 138% and 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
What it covers:
Medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as access to additional benefits like transportation to medical appointments and health-related services.
Cost:
No member costs, meaning no premiums, co-payments, coinsurance, or deductibles.
Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs):
What they are: OHP's local health plans are Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs).
How they work: Except for extra services and pharmacies, all CCOs offer the same OHP benefits.
How to choose: You choose your CCO when you apply for OHP.
How to find out if you have one: Your OHP coverage letter tells you the CCOs for people in your household.
📦 How Long Does It Take?
Once you submit your application, OHP will review it within 45 days (hopefully sooner). You can check your status online at ONE.Oregon.gov.
Once approved, you’ll get a letter with your info and next steps.
💬 Accessibility & Language Support
Need help reading forms, or prefer things in another language? No problem.
You can ask for forms in large print and Braille.
Interpreter services are free — just request them when you apply.
Want someone to help you fill it all out? Drop by Equi Center to have a Queer/Trans Peer Navigator help you get signed up officially.
🧭 TL;DR: You Deserve Healthcare
You deserve affirming, respectful care — and OHP is built to provide it. Getting set up might feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’ll help where we can, and there are lots of folks organizations ready to support you in other ways.
👉 Apply online: ONE.Oregon.gov
🦄 Visit Marie Equi Center to meet with a Peer Navigator and get signed up!
☎️ Call ONE Customer Service: 1-800-699-9075
📫 Mail in a paper application (in multiple languages!)
Got more questions? Want help applying? Need someone to sit with you while you fill it out?
Reach out anytime: doug@queerspacetravel.com — we’re building trans community in Portland + Oregon, and that includes making healthcare accessible!
🩵 Time to get you covered!
