Key Takeaways
- Oregon Health Plan (OHP) delivers addiction treatment through Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) that integrate physical, behavioral, and dental health care.
- Oregon expanded Medicaid under the ACA and has been a pioneer in innovative Medicaid delivery through its CCO model.
- Measure 110 decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs and directed cannabis tax revenue to addiction treatment expansion.
- OHP covers a full continuum of addiction treatment including detox, residential, outpatient, MAT, and peer recovery services.
- Oregon has invested heavily in culturally responsive treatment services for diverse populations including tribal communities and Latinx residents.
The Oregon Health Plan and Addiction Treatment
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is Oregon's Medicaid program, and it has long been recognized as one of the most innovative state Medicaid programs in the nation. OHP delivers health services, including addiction treatment, through Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs)—regional entities that integrate physical health, behavioral health, and dental care under a single organizational structure. This integrated model is designed to improve care coordination and outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders who often have co-occurring physical and mental health conditions.
Oregon expanded Medicaid under the ACA, significantly increasing the number of residents eligible for OHP and its behavioral health benefits. The state has also taken bold steps to address the addiction crisis through Measure 110, which decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs and directed cannabis tax revenue toward addiction treatment expansion. These policy changes reflect Oregon's commitment to treating addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue.
Understanding how OHP delivers addiction treatment through the CCO system, what services are covered, and how to access those services is essential for Oregon residents seeking affordable treatment options. The CCO model, while innovative, can be complex to navigate, and this guide provides practical information for accessing the system effectively.
The Oregon Alcohol and Drug Helpline (1-800-923-4357) provides 24/7 treatment referrals and support. Call for help finding OHP-covered addiction treatment in your area.
Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs)
CCOs are the core delivery system for OHP services, including addiction treatment.
- CCOs serve defined geographic regions and integrate physical, behavioral, and dental health care
- Each CCO contracts with local behavioral health providers to deliver substance use disorder treatment
- OHP members are assigned to a CCO based on their county of residence
- CCOs are accountable for health outcomes and quality metrics, including behavioral health measures
- The CCO model aims to eliminate silos between physical and behavioral health care
Covered Substance Abuse Treatment Services
OHP covers a comprehensive array of addiction treatment services through the CCO system.
- Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT)
- Withdrawal management (detox) in medically managed and socially managed settings
- Residential treatment at multiple levels of intensity and duration
- Outpatient counseling: Individual, group, and family therapy
- Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs
- Medication-assisted treatment: Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone
- Peer-delivered services: Peer mentors and recovery coaches
- Case management and recovery support services
Measure 110 and Treatment Expansion
Oregon's Measure 110 has directed significant new funding toward addiction treatment.
- Decriminalized personal possession of small amounts of drugs, replacing criminal penalties with health assessments
- Directed cannabis tax revenue (estimated $100+ million annually) to addiction treatment and recovery services
- Funded Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) providing screening, treatment, and recovery support
- Expanded access to treatment for populations previously underserved due to criminalization of drug use
- Invested in culturally specific treatment programs serving diverse Oregon communities
OHP Eligibility for Addiction Treatment
Oregon expanded Medicaid eligibility to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, providing OHP coverage to a broad population for addiction treatment. Oregon has been proactive in enrollment outreach and reducing barriers to Medicaid access, including implementing a simplified application process and extending coverage to additional populations through state plan amendments.
Applying for OHP can be completed online through ONE (Oregon Eligibility) system, by phone, or in person at local Department of Human Services offices. Oregon has streamlined the enrollment process and offers multiple assistance pathways for individuals who need help completing the application.
Apply for OHP online at ONE.Oregon.gov. If you need addiction treatment urgently, contact the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit a treatment provider for enrollment assistance.
Who Qualifies for OHP
OHP eligibility covers a broad range of Oregon residents.
- Adults aged 19-64 with incomes up to 138% FPL (approximately $20,783 for a single adult)
- Pregnant women with incomes up to 185% FPL
- Children under 19 with family incomes up to 300% FPL
- SSI disability recipients qualify automatically
- Elderly individuals meeting income and resource requirements
- Oregon has extended OHP eligibility to additional immigrant populations through state funding
How to Apply for OHP
Multiple pathways exist for enrolling in OHP.
- Online: Apply through ONE at ONE.Oregon.gov
- Phone: Call OHP Customer Service at 1-800-699-9075
- In person: Visit your local DHS office or community partner organization
- Through a treatment provider: Many behavioral health providers assist with OHP enrollment
- Through Healthcare.gov: Oregon OHP applications can be initiated through the federal marketplace
Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants
Oregon has taken steps to extend health coverage to immigrant populations.
- Oregon has expanded OHP-like coverage to certain immigrant populations through state-funded programs
- Emergency Medicaid covers crisis and emergency services regardless of immigration status
- Community health centers provide services on a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance or immigration status
- Measure 110-funded Behavioral Health Resource Networks serve individuals regardless of immigration status
Accessing Treatment Through CCOs
Accessing addiction treatment through OHP involves working with your assigned CCO to find in-network providers and navigate any authorization requirements. Each CCO has its own processes for behavioral health access, though Oregon has established statewide standards to ensure consistent access across regions. Many CCOs allow self-referral for initial behavioral health assessments without requiring primary care referral.
Oregon law requires timely access to behavioral health services, and CCOs must maintain adequate provider networks. If you experience difficulty accessing treatment, you have the right to file a grievance with your CCO and appeal through the state fair hearing process. The Oregon Health Authority also accepts complaints about access and quality issues.
Contact your CCO's member services to find in-network addiction treatment providers. If you do not know your CCO, call OHP at 1-800-699-9075 to identify your assignment and get provider information.
Finding Providers Through Your CCO
Locating in-network addiction treatment providers starts with your CCO.
- Contact your CCO's member services line for a behavioral health provider directory
- Use the Oregon Health Authority provider lookup tool to search by location and service type
- Ask about availability and wait times at multiple providers to find the fastest access
- Many CCOs allow self-referral for initial substance use disorder assessments
Authorization and Access Standards
Understanding CCO authorization requirements helps you access treatment efficiently.
- Emergency and crisis services do not require prior authorization
- Initial outpatient assessments typically do not require authorization
- Residential treatment and higher levels of care usually require CCO authorization based on ASAM criteria
- Oregon law establishes timely access standards: emergent care within 24 hours, urgent within 48 hours, routine within 14 days
Grievance and Appeal Rights
OHP members have specific rights when they experience barriers to addiction treatment.
- File a grievance with your CCO about access, quality, or service delivery issues
- Appeal any denial of treatment authorization through your CCO's appeals process
- Request a state administrative hearing if CCO-level appeals are unsuccessful
- Contact the Oregon Health Authority for assistance resolving access complaints
- Oregon's Ombudsman program provides advocacy for OHP members experiencing service barriers
Medication-Assisted Treatment Through OHP
Oregon Health Plan covers all FDA-approved medications for substance use disorders and has been proactive in removing barriers to MAT access. The state has eliminated prior authorization for initial buprenorphine prescriptions, expanded the MAT prescribing workforce through training initiatives, and integrated MAT into diverse care settings including primary care, emergency departments, and criminal justice settings.
Despite these efforts, MAT access remains unevenly distributed across Oregon, with rural and frontier communities facing significant provider shortages. Oregon has invested in telehealth MAT services and hub-and-spoke models to address these gaps, and CCOs are required to ensure adequate MAT access within their networks.
OHP covers MAT without prior authorization for initial prescriptions. If you need medication-assisted treatment in Oregon, contact your CCO or use SAMHSA's findtreatment.gov to locate providers.
MAT Coverage Under OHP
OHP provides comprehensive MAT coverage through the CCO system.
- Methadone through licensed opioid treatment programs
- Buprenorphine/naloxone without prior authorization for initial prescriptions
- Injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol) for opioid and alcohol use disorders
- Associated counseling, medical monitoring, and laboratory services
- Naloxone for overdose prevention covered without prior authorization
Expanding MAT Access in Rural Oregon
Oregon has implemented strategies to address MAT provider shortages in rural areas.
- Telehealth MAT services connect rural patients with providers via video conferencing
- Project ECHO extends specialist expertise to rural providers through virtual consultations
- Hub-and-spoke models partner rural clinics with urban MAT expertise centers
- Community health workers support MAT engagement in underserved rural communities
Harm Reduction Integration
Oregon integrates harm reduction approaches into its addiction treatment system.
- Naloxone distribution through pharmacies, first responders, and community organizations
- Syringe services programs operate across the state providing harm reduction supplies and treatment referrals
- Good Samaritan law protects individuals calling 911 for overdose from drug charges
- Fentanyl test strips are legal and distributed through harm reduction programs
Culturally Responsive Treatment in Oregon
Oregon has invested in developing culturally responsive addiction treatment services that meet the needs of its diverse population. Measure 110 funding has specifically supported culturally specific treatment programs serving communities of color, tribal populations, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrant communities. These programs integrate cultural practices and values into evidence-based treatment approaches.
Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes operate behavioral health programs that integrate traditional healing practices with evidence-based Western treatment approaches. The state also funds urban Indian health programs, Latinx-specific treatment programs, African American recovery programs, and other culturally specific services. These investments recognize that effective addiction treatment must be culturally appropriate to be truly accessible and effective.
Oregon's Measure 110 has funded culturally specific treatment programs across the state. Ask your CCO or contact the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Helpline at 1-800-923-4357 for referrals to culturally responsive treatment options.
Tribal Behavioral Health Services
Oregon's tribes operate culturally grounded addiction treatment programs.
- Nine federally recognized tribes operate behavioral health programs across Oregon
- Programs integrate traditional healing practices, ceremony, and cultural teachings with evidence-based treatment
- Urban Indian health programs serve Native Americans in Portland and other metropolitan areas
- Tribal members may access services through both tribal programs and OHP-covered providers
Culturally Specific Treatment Programs
Oregon funds treatment programs designed for specific cultural communities.
- Latinx-specific programs provide Spanish-language services with cultural competence
- African American recovery programs address culturally specific treatment needs and systemic barriers
- LGBTQ+-affirming treatment programs address unique recovery challenges for queer and transgender individuals
- Immigrant and refugee-specific programs address trauma, language, and cultural barriers to treatment
Language Access
OHP and CCOs are required to provide language access services for non-English-speaking members.
- Interpreter services must be available at all OHP-covered treatment encounters at no cost to the member
- Written materials must be available in prevalent languages within each CCO service area
- Bilingual providers are prioritized for areas with significant non-English-speaking populations
- Language barriers should never prevent access to addiction treatment through OHP
Resources and Next Steps for Oregon Residents
Oregon provides multiple pathways to addiction treatment through OHP, Measure 110-funded services, and community resources. Whether you are covered by OHP, uninsured, or covered by another source, treatment options exist in Oregon. The key is taking the first step and reaching out for help.
Oregon's investment in addiction treatment through Measure 110, OHP expansion, and culturally responsive programming means that more treatment options are available now than at any time in the state's history. Do not let confusion about the system prevent you from seeking help. The resources listed below can connect you to treatment quickly.
Trust SoCal provides guidance on treatment options across all states. Call (949) 280-8360 for confidential help understanding your treatment options in Oregon or anywhere else in the country.
Key Oregon Contact Information
Essential contacts for accessing addiction treatment in Oregon.
- Oregon Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 1-800-923-4357 (24/7 referrals)
- OHP Customer Service: 1-800-699-9075 for enrollment and coverage information
- Oregon Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 for crisis support
- ONE Online Application: ONE.Oregon.gov for OHP enrollment
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 for nationwide treatment referrals
Steps to Access Treatment in Oregon
Follow these steps to access addiction treatment in Oregon.
- Step 1: Apply for OHP if not enrolled (ONE.Oregon.gov) or contact a Behavioral Health Resource Network
- Step 2: Contact your CCO for behavioral health provider information
- Step 3: Schedule a substance use disorder assessment with an in-network provider
- Step 4: Begin treatment at the recommended level of care
- Step 5: Engage with peer support and recovery services throughout your treatment journey
Trust SoCal Editorial Team, Clinical Review Board
Editorial & Clinical Review
