Public Notice And Request For Comment On Oregon Department Of Human Services Office Of Developmental Disabilities Services Medicaid Waiver Updates (Photo) - 10/23/26

(Salem, Ore.) ― The Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) seeks public comment on the following Medicaid waivers:

• 1915 (c) Children’s Extraordinary Needs (CEN) Waiver
• 1915 (b) (4) Fee-for-Service Selective Contracting Program

Summary of substantial updates

Increase the number of children served in the CEN waiver

Originally, the 1915 (c) CEN Waiver could serve 155 children at one time. We’re increasing the number of children that can be in the CEN program to 230 children at a time. This helps us plan for children entering and leaving the program during the year. We’re also increasing the total number of children who can be in the CEN program during a one-year period from 171 to 280. We’re asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve this change retroactively to July 1, 2026.

Context for the proposed change: The CEN program started July 1, 2024. The Oregon Legislature gave the program a limited budget. At that time, we estimated that the program’s budget could support 155 children at a time. About 15 months after the program began, we had enough data to begin analyzing the program’s service usage. The average cost per child was lower than expected. Since then, the data continues to affirm this finding. That’s why we can expand the program to serve more children within its budget. The federal government doesn’t consider this a big change, so we can ask for a retroactive start date to July 1, 2026, which is when we expanded enrollment for the program.

Updated cost projections for CEN case management services

The 1915 (b) (4) Fee-for-Service Selective Contracting Program allows ODDS to specify the number and type of case management entities that are allowed to provide waiver case management services. Cost projections for CEN case management are included in this waiver. We are updating these projections to account for the increase in the number of children served in the CEN waiver. ODDS is asking CMS for a retroactive approval date of July 1, 2026.

How to submit feedback on the proposed changes

1. Send an email to [email protected]. 

1. Send written comments to ODDS Medicaid waiver/State Plan analyst, 500 Summer Street NE E-09, Salem, OR 97301.  

The deadline for comments is Nov. 25, 2026. We must receive comments by this date.

More information

Read the drafted waivers and the community notice announcing these updates on the ODHS website.

Print versions of the updates are posted in local community developmental disabilities programs and support services brokerages.

To ask for a printed version, contact ODDS Medicaid Waiver/State Plan Analyst at 503-507-2083 or [email protected].

You can get this document for free in other languages, large print, braille or a format you need. Email [email protected] or call 503-945-5811. We accept all relay calls.

Oregon Program Offers Free Help To Compare Plans, Save On Costs During Medicare Open Enrollment - 10/22/26

(Salem) — Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss plan options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) during Open Enrollment. Help includes comparing and selecting Medicare plans, reviewing their current coverage and assistance with making changes for the upcoming year.

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 plans began Oct. 15 and will remain open through Dec. 7, 2026.

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from certified counselors who can help people understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options.

During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
• Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
• Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.

SHIBA is one of several programs within the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities that provides services to older adults in Oregon regardless of their income. The information SHIBA provides not only supports older adults as they make decisions, but can help them recognize Medicare scams during Open Enrollment.

“Navigating Medicare coverage is complex and Oregonians should not have to navigate Medicare alone,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight, Ph.D. “Our goal is to make that process easy, accessible, and free.”

Even if someone is happy with their current plan, a quick comparison can reveal better options. SHIBA certified counselors can help Oregonians compare plans and explain programs that can save them money on Medicare costs. Counselors can help beneficiaries avoid late-enrollment penalties and unexpected out-of-pocket charges, review annual plan changes, and ensure their prescriptions and preferred providers remain covered. Some Medicare beneficiaries may also qualify for cost-saving programs such as Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help.

SHIBA reports scams to Medicare in addition to educating people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email. The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond.

How to get free help

Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)

Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.

Online resources include:

• The 2027 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans, which is available on the SHIBA website and will be translated to multiple languages in the coming weeks.
• Medicare frequently asked questions,
• An agent locator tool and
• A list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations

People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to [email protected]; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,476,444 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Applicants Sought For LGBTQIA2S+ Older Adult Advisory Group - 10/09/26

More information

Additional background and resources on becoming a member of the Governor’s boards and commissions can be found on the Governor’s website.

For questions about the LGBTQIA2S+ Subcommittee of the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services, send an email to [email protected].

Oregon Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month In October - 10/08/26

Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that recruit and hire employees with disabilities.
 

This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.
 

“Our communities and economy are stronger when the talents and strengths of people with disabilities are part of the workforce,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “Working is also a cornerstone to people’s independence, well-being and community connection.”
 

In Oregon, the employment rate for working-age people with disabilities increased about 10 percentage points between 2015 and 2023, from about 37.8% to 47.7%, according to the Center for Research on Disability. Despite this progress, a substantial employment gap remains: in 2023, 47.7% of Oregonians with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of Oregonians without disabilities.
 

“This progress speaks to the strong supports Oregon put in place to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce,” Enriquez said. “However, there is still work to do. Oregon is committed to ensuring employment supports remain strong so everyone has access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”

NDEAM webinar series

Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.
 

Webinars are scheduled Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

• Oct. 13 – Oregon as a Model Employer: Promoting employment and career advancement for people with disabilities in state and local government
   
• Oct. 20 – What is ableism and why it matters in the workplace
   
• Oct. 27 – Technology in employment: How assistive technology and AI can support people with disabilities at work
   
• Nov. 3 – Peer2Peer: An award-winning employment mentorship program for students with disabilities

These events are hosted by the Oregon’s Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.

Employment resources for people with disabilities

• Office of Developmental Disabilities Services has employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
   
• Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
   
• Oregon Commission for the Blind helps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
   
• Ticket to Work is a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
   
• Employed Persons with Disabilities is a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
   
• Oregon ABLE Savings Plan is a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
   
• Free benefits counseling is available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

State Launches New Medicaid In-home Services Option, Expands Choices For Support - 10/05/26

SALEM, OR  ̵  A new home-care option is being introduced for adults who qualify for Medicaid-funded in-home services and supports.

The new option, called Agency with Choice, was created by Oregon House Bill 4129. It is for people who are eligible for Medicaid long-term services and supports through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Agency with Choice provides help with managing the recruitment, required training, scheduling, and supervision of an in-home care provider including supporting individuals with their back-up care needs. Agency with Choice is one of several in-home care options now available for people eligible for Home and Community Based Services through the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). It is also available to individuals served through OHA Behavioral Health Division’s Home and Community Based Services.

“Agency with Choice builds on Oregon’s commitment to honoring the preferences of older adults and people with disabilities,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight, Ph.D. “It joins a broad continuum of long‑term care options designed to help people receive the right level of support in the way that works best for them.”

APD’s Agency with Choice program is for individuals who:

• Are age 60 or older;
• Are age 18 and older with a disability;
• Qualify for Medicaid long-term services and supports through APD; and
• Choose to receive these services and supports in their own home.

Individuals who are currently eligible for these services received a letter from APD describing the new option. There are no changes being made to other in-home care options.

OHA’s Agency with Choice option is available to individuals with mental health conditions who are eligible for Medicaid-funded in-home personal care services. Individuals of all ages can enroll in Agency with Choice if they are eligible for personal care services through the State Plan Personal Care program. Individuals age 21 and older may also enroll in Agency with Choice if they get services through the 1915(i) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program.

To qualify for 1915(i) HCBS, individuals must:

• Be age 21 or older;
• Have a current diagnosis of a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) as defined in OAR 410-173-0005;
• Have the need for help in at least two instrumental Activities of Daily Living; and
• Require the provision of one or more 1915(i) services at least monthly.

As directed by HB 4129, APD and OHA provide Agency with Choice through a contractor. GT Independence was selected through a competitive process managed by OregonBuys to provide Agency with Choice in Oregon.

Links to online and other resources for more information

• Read an online flyer about Agency with Choice offered through APD and find it in other languages on this ODHS web page.
• Learn about APD long-term services and supports care options on the ODHS website. Explore in-home options for receiving Medicaid long-term services and supports.
• Learn about 1915(i) HCBS, including OHA’s mental health residential and personal care services in the home on the 1915(i) HCBS website. Oregonians who may qualify and have questions should contact OHA’s 1915(i) Policy Unit at [email protected].
• Inquire about a referral or assessment for mental health personal care for State Plan Personal Care or 1915(i) HCBS at Comagine Health at [email protected].
• Learn more about GT Independence on the company’s website and its Oregon services website.
• Contact a local office serving older adults and people with disabilities using the ODHS office locator tool.
• Learn about other help available for older adults and people with disabilities by visiting the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon’s website.   

UPDATE: Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That Miley And Lilly Hunt Were Located On October 3, 2026 - 10/05/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Miley and Lilly Hunt.

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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.

Missing Child Alert – Lilly And Miley Hunt Are Missing And Are Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 10/02/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Lilly Hunt, age 10, and Miley L Hunt, age 8,  who went missing from Eugene, OR on Oct. 2, 2026. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find the children and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see them. Lilly and Miley are suspected to be in the Eugene/Springfield area.

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Due to privacy and confidentiality laws (ORS 409.225 and 419B.035) the Oregon Department of Human Services is unable to provide additional details.

Report suspected 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.

Child Legal Name: Lilly Hunt

Child Preferred Name: Lilly Hunt

Age: 10

Height: 4 feet, 8 inches

Weight: 70 pounds

Hair color: brown

Eye color: brown

Specific Identifying Characteristics: NA

Law enforcement agency name and report #: EPD 26-15786

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2103578

Date Missing: Oct. 2, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Eugene/Springfield, OR

Child Legal Name: Miley Hunt

Child Preferred Name: Miley

Age: 8

Height: 4 feet

Weight: 40 pounds

Hair color: brown

Eye color: brown

Specific Identifying Characteristics: NA

Law enforcement agency name and report #: EPD 26-15786

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2103578

Date Missing: Oct. 2, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Eugene/Springfield, OR

Missing Child Alert – Amani Turner Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 10/02/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Amani Turner, age 15, who went missing from Oregon City on Sept. 28. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Amani Turner and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Amani.

Amani Turner is suspected to be in North Portland area

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Due to privacy and confidentiality laws (ORS 409.225 and 419B.035) the Oregon Department of Human Services is unable to provide additional details.

Report suspected 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.

Child Legal Name: Amani Turner

Child Preferred Name: Amani

Pronouns*: she/her

Age: 15

Height: 5-foot-9

Weight: 230 pounds

Hair color: Black/brown

Eye color: Brown

Oregon City Police report #26-019172

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2103035

Date Missing: 9/28/2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): North Portland

Students Of Higher Education May Qualify For SNAP; Help Is Available To Understand Eligibility - 09/30/26

Media resources

Instead of conducting individual interviews for this announcement, ODHS will host a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. Members of the media will have an opportunity to ask questions about SNAP work or activity rules and exemptions for college students. RSVP for the media availability by emailing Sara Campos at [email protected].

An statement from the ODHS interim Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director will be available after the event: https://vimeo.com/showcase/12330638

A Spanish-language video summarizing the key messages will also be available on Vimeo. Spanish-language media may request interviews or submit questions in Spanish by contacting Adriana Taylor at [email protected].

SALEM, Ore. — As students return to colleges and universities across Oregon this fall, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is reminding students about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

SNAP can help eligible students afford groceries while they pursue their education. Eligibility rules for students can be complicated, and students should not assume they do not qualify. Help is available from ODHS to understand the rules and apply.

Student eligibility

SNAP has special rules for students ages 18 through 49 who attend an institution of higher education at least half time (as defined by their school). These students are referred to as “students of higher education.” To be eligible for SNAP, students of higher education must meet at least one exemption.

Exemptions for students of higher education

In addition to regular SNAP rules, students of higher education are required to meet at least one student exemption to qualify for SNAP. The exemptions include students who:

• Participate in a state or federally funded work-study program.
• Work for pay an average of at least 20 hours per week.
• Are responsible for the care of a young child or meet certain requirements as a parent attending school.
• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or unemployment benefits.
• Participate in certain employment and training programs, including SNAP Employment and Training or qualifying Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs.
• Are enrolled in an undergraduate course of study intended to be completed in four years or less that leads to employment. This can include students beginning at a community college and planning to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Other exemptions may also apply depending on a student’s circumstances.

“Students are working hard to build skills, complete their education and prepare for their future careers,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, interim director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Program. “SNAP can help eligible students afford food while they pursue those goals. The eligibility rules can be complicated, so we encourage students who need help to reach out rather than assume they don’t qualify.”

Benefits Navigators can help students find support

Students at Oregon’s public colleges and universities can also connect with a Benefits Navigator for help identifying resources that may support their basic needs.

Oregon funds a Benefits Navigator at every public college and university. Navigators work alongside students to understand their needs, develop strategies and connect them with campus, community, state and federal resources.

During the 2025–26 school year, Benefits Navigators served more than 30,000 students statewide and made more than 45,000 referrals to campus and community resources.

Work or activity rules

The SNAP rules for students of higher education are different from the federal work requirements for adults who are required to follow Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules. ABAWD work rules apply to people who are 18 through 64 and do not receive SNAP with children under the age of 14.

Students of any kind (including higher education) enrolled in school at least half time are exempt from the ABAWD work requirements. However, students of higher education must first meet a student exemption to receive benefits.

Because several rules can affect eligibility, ODHS encourages students to ask for help rather than assume they do not qualify.

How to get help

Students interested in SNAP can:

• Contact a Benefits Navigator at their college or university
• Apply or manage benefits online at benefits.oregon.gov.
• Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075.
• Visit an ODHS office: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx
• Learn more at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon: https://oregonhunger.org/snap-for-students/

If a student was previously denied SNAP because they did not meet the higher education student eligibility requirements, they can reapply if their student status or circumstances have changed.

New Oregon SNAP data webpage

ODHS has launched a new Oregon SNAP data webpage to make current SNAP participation data easier to find. The page includes monthly statewide and county-level data on the number of people and households receiving SNAP in Oregon.

The page will be updated regularly to provide partners, media, public officials and the public with a single source for current, verified SNAP caseload data.

Learn more at Oregon SNAP data: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/data/Pages/snap-data.aspx

Save The Date: Sept. 30 Media Availability On SNAP And Higher Education Students - 09/29/26

ODHS will host a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. to share information about SNAP eligibility for higher education students, including work or activity rules and exemptions.

A news release with more details will be issued Wednesday morning.
 

Members of the media will have an opportunity to ask questions. Instead of conducting individual interviews for this announcement, ODHS is encouraging reporters interested in the topic to attend the media availability.

To RSVP and receive the meeting link, please email [email protected].

A recorded statement from the ODHS interim Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director and a Spanish-language video summarizing the key messages will be available after the event on Vimeo. Spanish-language media may request interviews or submit questions in Spanish by contacting Adriana Taylor at [email protected].

Reminder To Use Summer Food Benefits Before They Expire - 09/29/26