Questions are answered by experts at the Oregon Health Authority, other state agencies or community partners. Questions and answers are republished by permission.
Q: I am an Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) recipient with an opportunity to take a trip to Canada in April and another to Illinois later this year. Can you tell me how to find out how my health care coverage changes while I’m traveling? – Cat, Salem
A: When an OHP member travels to other states within the United States, OHP will cover reasonable emergency care only; this does not include visits to urgent care facilities. We recommend planning ahead for your trip to Illinois so you know where the nearest emergency care facilities are located there. OHP will not cover any medical care received in Canada or any other country. To learn more about OHP benefits when traveling outside of Oregon, contact your coordinated care organization (CCO). If you don’t know your CCO or are not enrolled in a CCO, contact OHP Client Services at 800-273-0557.
Q: I know many people who use WIC, and they are concerned about the news that the Women, Infants & Children program would be getting funding pulled. Is that something that could happen? Where does WIC money actually come from? – Olivia, McMinnville
A: The Oregon WIC program is federally funded through the United States Department of Agriculture. At this time, there are no immediate concerns that WIC will not have the funds available to continue to provide services to Oregonians. Historically, the WIC program has had strong widespread support.
You can check OHA’s federal response page to stay informed of any important announcements related to federal changes.
If you have questions about health topics for the Oregon Health Authority, submit your question here. Although the agency is unable to answer every question, it will try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that OHA is unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.