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News Release

Portland Safeway Stores Recognized For Helping Promote Employment Opportunities For People With Disabilities (Photo) - 02/05/26

Oregon’s State Rehabilitation Council recognized Safeway stores in northeast Portland for their partnership with the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program at its quarterly meeting Feb. 5.

 

The council’s Partner Awards go to businesses that partner with VR directly or through a contracted provider or workforce partner. The award recognizes businesses that have gone above and beyond in recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting individuals with disabilities. 

 

“The award recognizes businesses that have created an environment where people with disabilities can thrive, whether they are students beginning to explore their future careers, people entering the workforce for the first time, or people looking to change careers or advance to the next level,” said Ed Cortez, chair of the SRC.

 

The SRC serves as an advisor to VR, which provides employment services for people with disabilities. VR also provides services to Oregon businesses to help recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities — all at no cost.

 

The SRC Partner Awards demonstrate how partnership between business and VR is a win for everyone, said VR Director Keith Ozols.

“Individuals with disabilities benefit from the independence employment brings,” he said. “Businesses, meanwhile, grow their workforce with qualified candidates. Communities also thrive when everyone who wants to work has the opportunity.”

 

Safeway stores in northeast Portland have shown exceptional flexibility and commitment to supporting employees with disabilities.

 

“Safeway has become an unexpected source of positive, long-term employment outcomes for our clients, helping them build their confidence in their ability to sustain employment and helping them strive toward larger, long-

term goals,” said VR counselor Matthew Whitaker.

 

For example, one store manager adjusted the dress code to allow a VR participant with sensitivity to textures to wear shorts – a simple change that made a big difference in the employee’s comfort. For another VR participant, the store manager modified the employee’s tasks and offered cross-training opportunities in different departments.

“I’m truly grateful for this recognition,” said Denise Truett, Talent Acquisition Rep for Safeway. “It means a great deal to be part of a workplace that values belonging—where courtesy, dignity and respect create the foundation for an inclusive and diverse community. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but the culture we build together every day.”

VR services for businesses

VR is a resource for Oregon businesses regarding disability in the workplace. The program helps businesses recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities — all at no cost.

For information, visit the VR Services for Businesses page.

 

###

About the State Rehabilitation Council

Oregon's State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is an advisory partner to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Its role is to listen to VR participants about their VR experience and advise the VR program on how to improve services. 

About Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program of the Oregon Department of Human Services. VR helps people with all kinds of disabilities find careers that fit their skills, interests and abilities. The program is also a resource for Oregon businesses regarding disability in the workplace. 

Attached Media Files: NESandySafeway2.jpg, NESandySafeway1.jpg,

Portland Safeway Stores Recognized For Helping Promote Employment Opportunities For People With Disabilities (Photo) - 02/05/26

Oregon’s State Rehabilitation Council recognized Safeway stores in northeast Portland for their partnership with the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program at its quarterly meeting Feb. 5.

 

The council’s Partner Awards go to businesses that partner with VR directly or through a contracted provider or workforce partner. The award recognizes businesses that have gone above and beyond in recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting individuals with disabilities. 

 

“The award recognizes businesses that have created an environment where people with disabilities can thrive, whether they are students beginning to explore their future careers, people entering the workforce for the first time, or people looking to change careers or advance to the next level,” said Ed Cortez, chair of the SRC.

 

The SRC serves as an advisor to VR, which provides employment services for people with disabilities. VR also provides services to Oregon businesses to help recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities — all at no cost.

 

The SRC Partner Awards demonstrate how partnership between business and VR is a win for everyone, said VR Director Keith Ozols.

“Individuals with disabilities benefit from the independence employment brings,” he said. “Businesses, meanwhile, grow their workforce with qualified candidates. Communities also thrive when everyone who wants to work has the opportunity.”

 

Safeway stores in northeast Portland have shown exceptional flexibility and commitment to supporting employees with disabilities.

 

“Safeway has become an unexpected source of positive, long-term employment outcomes for our clients, helping them build their confidence in their ability to sustain employment and helping them strive toward larger, long-

term goals,” said VR counselor Matthew Whitaker.

 

For example, one store manager adjusted the dress code to allow a VR participant with sensitivity to textures to wear shorts – a simple change that made a big difference in the employee’s comfort. For another VR participant, the store manager modified the employee’s tasks and offered cross-training opportunities in different departments.

“I’m truly grateful for this recognition,” said Denise Truett, Talent Acquisition Rep for Safeway. “It means a great deal to be part of a workplace that values belonging—where courtesy, dignity and respect create the foundation for an inclusive and diverse community. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but the culture we build together every day.”

VR services for businesses

VR is a resource for Oregon businesses regarding disability in the workplace. The program helps businesses recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities — all at no cost.

For information, visit the VR Services for Businesses page.

 

###

About the State Rehabilitation Council

Oregon's State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is an advisory partner to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Its role is to listen to VR participants about their VR experience and advise the VR program on how to improve services. 

About Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program of the Oregon Department of Human Services. VR helps people with all kinds of disabilities find careers that fit their skills, interests and abilities. The program is also a resource for Oregon businesses regarding disability in the workplace. 

Attached Media Files: NESandySafeway2.jpg, NESandySafeway1.jpg,

CORRECTION: Missing Child Alert – Michael M. Newton Is Missing And Believed To Be At Risk. (Photo) - 02/05/26

 

Correction note: This alert has been updated to reflect that Michael went missing from Eugene on February 3, 2026.  

 

(Salem) – Michael M. Newton, age 16, went missing from Eugene on February 3, 2026. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Michael may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.

 

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Michael. Anyone who suspects they have information about his location should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

 

Michael is believed to be with his mother, Ms. Aroya Newton, and/or with Ms. Newton’s partner, Noah Miller, in the Cottage Grove, Mapleton and Florence areas.

 

Name: Michael M. Newton

Preferred Pronouns: He/him

Date of birth: 12/22/2009

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 240

Hair color: Dark Brown

Eye color: blue/grey

Law enforcement agency and case # EPD 26-026968

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2076410

 

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.

 

###

 

Attached Media Files: Micahel1.jpg, Michael.jpg,

CORRECTION: Missing Child Alert – Michael M. Newton Is Missing And Believed To Be At Risk. (Photo) - 02/05/26

 

Correction note: This alert has been updated to reflect that Michael went missing from Eugene on February 3, 2026.  

 

(Salem) – Michael M. Newton, age 16, went missing from Eugene on February 3, 2026. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Michael may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.

 

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Michael. Anyone who suspects they have information about his location should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

 

Michael is believed to be with his mother, Ms. Aroya Newton, and/or with Ms. Newton’s partner, Noah Miller, in the Cottage Grove, Mapleton and Florence areas.

 

Name: Michael M. Newton

Preferred Pronouns: He/him

Date of birth: 12/22/2009

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 240

Hair color: Dark Brown

Eye color: blue/grey

Law enforcement agency and case # EPD 26-026968

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2076410

 

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.

 

###

 

Attached Media Files: Micahel1.jpg, Michael.jpg,

Free Tax Filing Help Is Available – And You Could Get Money Back – It’s An Oregon Kicker Tax Year – And Other Credits – If You File - 02/02/26

The nation’s 2026 tax filing season is officially open. Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their 2025 tax returns and free help is available.

 

Filing your taxes could mean you could get money back – even if you don’t have to file or don’t have a Social Security number. Plus, this year you could get your share Oregon’s $1.4 billion kicker refund.

You could get money back if:

  • You work
  • You have children younger than 6 and you earn $30,000 or less
  • You paid more in tax withholding than required.

Free tax is filing available to identify ways to get money back. The Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds trustworthy, culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations that provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages.

 

Not filing a tax return often leaves money unclaimed. Filing your taxes is a legal obligation if you meet minimum income thresholds, but you can also get refunds, and claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit). Plus, this year there are new tax laws that could help families get more money back. Even with tax law changes, which can be complex, the Internal Revenue Services has stated that most taxpayers will be able to file their returns and receive their refunds without delay.

 

Community organizations offering free tax filing help:

The following community organizations offer free tax return preparation through October 15. All give assistance in English and Spanish at a minimum and most offer virtual filing options for individuals living outside of these areas.

 

For more information about the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx.

                                      

Free Tax Filing Help Is Available – And You Could Get Money Back – It’s An Oregon Kicker Tax Year – And Other Credits – If You File - 02/02/26

The nation’s 2026 tax filing season is officially open. Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their 2025 tax returns and free help is available.

 

Filing your taxes could mean you could get money back – even if you don’t have to file or don’t have a Social Security number. Plus, this year you could get your share Oregon’s $1.4 billion kicker refund.

You could get money back if:

  • You work
  • You have children younger than 6 and you earn $30,000 or less
  • You paid more in tax withholding than required.

Free tax is filing available to identify ways to get money back. The Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds trustworthy, culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations that provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages.

 

Not filing a tax return often leaves money unclaimed. Filing your taxes is a legal obligation if you meet minimum income thresholds, but you can also get refunds, and claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit). Plus, this year there are new tax laws that could help families get more money back. Even with tax law changes, which can be complex, the Internal Revenue Services has stated that most taxpayers will be able to file their returns and receive their refunds without delay.

 

Community organizations offering free tax filing help:

The following community organizations offer free tax return preparation through October 15. All give assistance in English and Spanish at a minimum and most offer virtual filing options for individuals living outside of these areas.

 

For more information about the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx.

                                      

Oregon Takes Steps To Protect SNAP Access In Rural Communities Starting Feb. 1 - 01/28/26

Salem, Ore. — Starting February 1, 2026, some people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and live in certain rural counties will not have to meet the work rules for the rest of 2026. This change is for people who live in areas where employment services that help them meet the requirements are not readily available.

 

This change affects 1,310 people living in Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman and Wheeler counties.  More than 730,000 people in Oregon receive SNAP benefits.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will apply these discretionary exemptions for people with an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) status who live in seven rural counties without local employment service centers.

 

Under recently changed SNAP rules, having ABAWD status means people are between ages 18 and 64, do not have children under 14 living with them, and are able to work. Federal rules say that people in this group must work or take part in approved job or training activities for at least 80 hours a month to keep getting SNAP. If they do not, they can only get SNAP for three months. After that, their benefits stop and they cannot get SNAP again for up to three years, unless they qualify for an exemption.

 

While the exemptions in these seven counties are not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025, HR1 did significantly alter how SNAP is administered in Oregon, including expanded work requirements statewide.

What people living in affected counties need to know

  • Discretionary exemptions will be applied automatically each month beginning February 1, 2026 through December 2026.
  • No action is required from people receiving SNAP in the affected counties.
  • ODHS eligibility staff will continue to review and apply other SNAP exemptions at application, renewal and when changes are reported.

People who want to confirm their exemption status can:

People in the seven counties are encouraged to continue participating in job training and employment services. Continued participation will not affect a person’s exemption status.

Supporting food access in rural Oregon

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the federal program that administers SNAP, allocates a limited number of discretionary exemptions to each state each federal fiscal year based on the estimated number of people subject to SNAP time limits. Oregon received its allotment for federal fiscal year 2026 in December and is using these exemptions where access barriers are greatest.

 

The Oregon Employment Department provides employment and training services statewide through local WorkSource centers to SNAP participants with ABAWD status. The seven counties included in this change do not have a local WorkSource center, which can mean long travel distances or reliance on phone or internet access that may not be consistently available in rural areas.

 

Under federal guidance, discretionary exemptions are limited and may only be used for certain periods. Oregon plans to apply these exemptions in the seven counties from February through December 2026.

This change is not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025 and does not reflect a new federal law or mandate. It is a state-level administrative action allowed under existing federal SNAP rules.

About SNAP in Oregon:

  • SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities.
  • Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year.
  • But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.


###

Oregon Takes Steps To Protect SNAP Access In Rural Communities Starting Feb. 1 - 01/28/26

Salem, Ore. — Starting February 1, 2026, some people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and live in certain rural counties will not have to meet the work rules for the rest of 2026. This change is for people who live in areas where employment services that help them meet the requirements are not readily available.

 

This change affects 1,310 people living in Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman and Wheeler counties.  More than 730,000 people in Oregon receive SNAP benefits.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will apply these discretionary exemptions for people with an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) status who live in seven rural counties without local employment service centers.

 

Under recently changed SNAP rules, having ABAWD status means people are between ages 18 and 64, do not have children under 14 living with them, and are able to work. Federal rules say that people in this group must work or take part in approved job or training activities for at least 80 hours a month to keep getting SNAP. If they do not, they can only get SNAP for three months. After that, their benefits stop and they cannot get SNAP again for up to three years, unless they qualify for an exemption.

 

While the exemptions in these seven counties are not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025, HR1 did significantly alter how SNAP is administered in Oregon, including expanded work requirements statewide.

What people living in affected counties need to know

  • Discretionary exemptions will be applied automatically each month beginning February 1, 2026 through December 2026.
  • No action is required from people receiving SNAP in the affected counties.
  • ODHS eligibility staff will continue to review and apply other SNAP exemptions at application, renewal and when changes are reported.

People who want to confirm their exemption status can:

People in the seven counties are encouraged to continue participating in job training and employment services. Continued participation will not affect a person’s exemption status.

Supporting food access in rural Oregon

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the federal program that administers SNAP, allocates a limited number of discretionary exemptions to each state each federal fiscal year based on the estimated number of people subject to SNAP time limits. Oregon received its allotment for federal fiscal year 2026 in December and is using these exemptions where access barriers are greatest.

 

The Oregon Employment Department provides employment and training services statewide through local WorkSource centers to SNAP participants with ABAWD status. The seven counties included in this change do not have a local WorkSource center, which can mean long travel distances or reliance on phone or internet access that may not be consistently available in rural areas.

 

Under federal guidance, discretionary exemptions are limited and may only be used for certain periods. Oregon plans to apply these exemptions in the seven counties from February through December 2026.

This change is not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025 and does not reflect a new federal law or mandate. It is a state-level administrative action allowed under existing federal SNAP rules.

About SNAP in Oregon:

  • SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities.
  • Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year.
  • But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.


###

Public Notice And Request For Comment On ODDS Medicaid Waiver Updates / Anuncio Público Y Solicitud De Comentarios Sobre Las Actualizaciones De ODDS De Las Exenciones De Medicaid (Photo) - 01/28/26

Public notice and request for comment on ODDS Medicaid waiver updates

(Salem, Ore.) ― The Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) seeks public comment on updates to its six 1915(c) Medicaid waivers:

  • Adults’ Home and Community-Based Services Wavier
  • Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Wavier
  • Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver
  • Behavioral Waiver
  • Medically Fragile Waiver
  • Medically Involved Waiver

Summary of substantial updates

  • Expanded eligibility for Medicaid services: This change affects all six waivers. The change will make it easier for children with low incomes to access waiver services. Why is this change happening? The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is making this change to the Oregon Medicaid State Plan. ODDS is making this change to be consistent with OHA.
  • Fewer forms to sign: We removed the requirement for a signature on the Freedom of Choice form and the Notice of Rights form. This makes getting services easier. People won’t have to sign as many forms. Services coordinators and personal agents will still go over the forms with individuals and record this in their progress notes.
  • Word and formatting changes: These are all technical changes. None of these changes affects individuals’ services.

All six wavier applications and the announcement letter are available to read 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 odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

How to submit feedback on the proposed changes

  1. Send an email to odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 
  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 Feb. 27, 2026. We must receive comments by this date.

More information

You can get this document for free in other languages, large print, braille or a format you need. Email dd.directorsoffice@odhs.oregon.gov or call 503-945-5811. We accept all relay calls.

Anuncio público y solicitud de comentarios sobre las actualizaciones de ODDS de las exenciones de Medicaid

(Salem, Ore.) ― El Programa para Discapacidades Intelectuales y del Desarrollo (ODDS, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon está actualizando sus seis exenciones de Medicaid 1915 (c):

  • Exención de servicios a domicilio y comunitarios para adultos (Adults’ Home and Community-Based Services Waiver)
  • Exención de servicios a domicilio y comunitarios para niños (Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver)
  • Exención por necesidades extraordinarias de los niños (Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver)
  • Exención por razones de conducta (Behavioral Waiver)
  • Exención por fragilidad por razones médicas (Medically Fragile Waiver)
  • Exención por necesidades médicas (Medically Involved Waiver)

Resumen de las actualizaciones importantes

  • Ampliación de la elegibilidad para los servicios de Medicaid: Este cambio afecta a las seis exenciones. El cambio facilitará el acceso de los niños con bajos ingresos a los servicios de exención. ¿Por qué se hace este cambio? La Oregon Health Authority (OHA) está haciendo este cambio al Plan Estatal de Medicaid de Oregon. ODDS está haciendo este cambio para mantener la misma consistencia con OHA.
  • Menos formularios para firmar: Hemos eliminado el requisito de firmar el formulario de Libertad de Elección y el formulario de Notificación de Derechos. Esto hace más fácil obtener servicios. Las personas no tendrán que firmar tantos formularios. Los coordinadores de servicios y los agentes personales seguirán revisando los formularios con las personas y lo registrarán en sus notas de progreso.
  • Cambios de redacción y formato: Se trata de cambios técnicos. Ninguno de estos cambios afecta a los servicios que reciben las personas.

Las seis solicitudes de exenciones y el comunicado están disponibles para leerlas en el sitio web de ODHS (en inglés). Las versiones impresas de las actualizaciones se publican en los programas comunitarios de discapacidades del desarrollo  y en las agencias de Brokerage (servicios de apoyo). Para solicitar una versión impresa, póngase en contacto con ODDS Medicaid Waiver / Analista del Plan Estatal en 503-507-2083 o odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Cómo enviar sus comentarios sobre los cambios propuestos

  1. Envíe un correo electrónico a odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
  2. Envíe sus comentarios por escrito y correo postal a ODDS Medicaid waiver/State Plan analyst, 500 Summer Street NE E-09, Salem, OR 97301.

La fecha límite es el 27 de febrero de 2026. Debemos recibir sus comentarios por correo antes de esta fecha.

Más información

Puede obtener este documento sin costo alguno en otros idiomas, letra grande, braille o el formato que usted necesite. Envíe un correo electrónico a dd.directorsoffice@odhs.oregon.gov o llame al 503-945-5811. Aceptamos todas las llamadas de retransmisión.

Attached Media Files: odds-waiver-press-release-january-2026-en.pdf, odds-waiver-press-release-january-2026-es.pdf,

Public Notice And Request For Comment On ODDS Medicaid Waiver Updates / Anuncio Público Y Solicitud De Comentarios Sobre Las Actualizaciones De ODDS De Las Exenciones De Medicaid (Photo) - 01/28/26

Public notice and request for comment on ODDS Medicaid waiver updates

(Salem, Ore.) ― The Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) seeks public comment on updates to its six 1915(c) Medicaid waivers:

  • Adults’ Home and Community-Based Services Wavier
  • Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Wavier
  • Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver
  • Behavioral Waiver
  • Medically Fragile Waiver
  • Medically Involved Waiver

Summary of substantial updates

  • Expanded eligibility for Medicaid services: This change affects all six waivers. The change will make it easier for children with low incomes to access waiver services. Why is this change happening? The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is making this change to the Oregon Medicaid State Plan. ODDS is making this change to be consistent with OHA.
  • Fewer forms to sign: We removed the requirement for a signature on the Freedom of Choice form and the Notice of Rights form. This makes getting services easier. People won’t have to sign as many forms. Services coordinators and personal agents will still go over the forms with individuals and record this in their progress notes.
  • Word and formatting changes: These are all technical changes. None of these changes affects individuals’ services.

All six wavier applications and the announcement letter are available to read 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 odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

How to submit feedback on the proposed changes

  1. Send an email to odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 
  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 Feb. 27, 2026. We must receive comments by this date.

More information

You can get this document for free in other languages, large print, braille or a format you need. Email dd.directorsoffice@odhs.oregon.gov or call 503-945-5811. We accept all relay calls.

Anuncio público y solicitud de comentarios sobre las actualizaciones de ODDS de las exenciones de Medicaid

(Salem, Ore.) ― El Programa para Discapacidades Intelectuales y del Desarrollo (ODDS, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon está actualizando sus seis exenciones de Medicaid 1915 (c):

  • Exención de servicios a domicilio y comunitarios para adultos (Adults’ Home and Community-Based Services Waiver)
  • Exención de servicios a domicilio y comunitarios para niños (Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver)
  • Exención por necesidades extraordinarias de los niños (Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver)
  • Exención por razones de conducta (Behavioral Waiver)
  • Exención por fragilidad por razones médicas (Medically Fragile Waiver)
  • Exención por necesidades médicas (Medically Involved Waiver)

Resumen de las actualizaciones importantes

  • Ampliación de la elegibilidad para los servicios de Medicaid: Este cambio afecta a las seis exenciones. El cambio facilitará el acceso de los niños con bajos ingresos a los servicios de exención. ¿Por qué se hace este cambio? La Oregon Health Authority (OHA) está haciendo este cambio al Plan Estatal de Medicaid de Oregon. ODDS está haciendo este cambio para mantener la misma consistencia con OHA.
  • Menos formularios para firmar: Hemos eliminado el requisito de firmar el formulario de Libertad de Elección y el formulario de Notificación de Derechos. Esto hace más fácil obtener servicios. Las personas no tendrán que firmar tantos formularios. Los coordinadores de servicios y los agentes personales seguirán revisando los formularios con las personas y lo registrarán en sus notas de progreso.
  • Cambios de redacción y formato: Se trata de cambios técnicos. Ninguno de estos cambios afecta a los servicios que reciben las personas.

Las seis solicitudes de exenciones y el comunicado están disponibles para leerlas en el sitio web de ODHS (en inglés). Las versiones impresas de las actualizaciones se publican en los programas comunitarios de discapacidades del desarrollo  y en las agencias de Brokerage (servicios de apoyo). Para solicitar una versión impresa, póngase en contacto con ODDS Medicaid Waiver / Analista del Plan Estatal en 503-507-2083 o odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Cómo enviar sus comentarios sobre los cambios propuestos

  1. Envíe un correo electrónico a odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
  2. Envíe sus comentarios por escrito y correo postal a ODDS Medicaid waiver/State Plan analyst, 500 Summer Street NE E-09, Salem, OR 97301.

La fecha límite es el 27 de febrero de 2026. Debemos recibir sus comentarios por correo antes de esta fecha.

Más información

Puede obtener este documento sin costo alguno en otros idiomas, letra grande, braille o el formato que usted necesite. Envíe un correo electrónico a dd.directorsoffice@odhs.oregon.gov o llame al 503-945-5811. Aceptamos todas las llamadas de retransmisión.

Attached Media Files: odds-waiver-press-release-january-2026-en.pdf, odds-waiver-press-release-january-2026-es.pdf,