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Reasons you may not have to meet the rules

OHP calls these exemptions. This page lists them and how OHP checks each one.

The short version

• 3 kinds: OHP checks some reasons itself. For some, you just tell OHP. For others, OHP may ask for proof.
• Health conditions: In 2027, you do not need a doctor's note.
• Starting in 2028: OHP may ask for proof of some reasons.
• What to do: If a reason fits you, tell OHP.

The rules do not apply to

• People 18 or younger, or 65 or older.
• People who get OHP because of a disability or pregnancy.
• People who have Medicare. OHP can usually check this itself. If OHP asks, show your Medicare card or a Medicare letter.

OHP checks these for you

• You get SNAP, and you meet SNAP work rules. Being excused from SNAP work rules is not enough.
• You get TANF, and you meet TANF work rules.
• You were in foster care at age 18, and you are under 26.
• You qualify for another OHP program that does not have these rules.
• Your county has a federal disaster declaration, or very high unemployment. OHP will tell you if this applies.

Just tell OHP

• You are American Indian or Alaska Native. This includes being enrolled in a tribe, having a parent or grandparent who is enrolled, being an Alaska Native Corporation shareholder, or getting care from Indian Health Service or a Tribal or Urban Indian clinic.
• You are pregnant, or you were in the last 12 months.
• You got out of jail or prison in the last 4 months.

Tell OHP. OHP may ask for proof.

• You have a serious or disabling health condition. In 2027, no doctor's note is needed. Starting in 2028, OHP may ask for a statement from a health care provider. More about health conditions
• You get SSI or SSDI. OHA counts this as a qualifying health condition.
• You are a veteran with a 100% disability rating from the VA. If OHP asks, send your VA award letter. If your rating is not permanent, it has to be confirmed every 12 months.
• You care for a child 13 or younger. Tell OHP how you are related. Starting in 2028, OHP may ask for a calendar or schedule.
• You care for someone of any age with a disability or a serious health condition. If you do not live with them and are not related, you need to give at least 80 hours of care a month.
• You are in drug or alcohol treatment, or you were in the last 5 years. Starting in 2028, OHP may ask for a paper that shows your treatment dates.
• You stayed at least one night as a patient in a hospital, nursing facility, or behavioral health facility.
• You were away from home 7 or more days in a month to get medical care for you, your child, or a tax dependent.

How to tell OHP

1. When you apply, answer every question about work, school, and volunteering.
2. Already applied? Tell OHP in your ONE account at benefits.oregon.gov, call 800-699-9075, or visit an ODHS office.

Sources for this page

We checked these on Nov. 2, 2026. Want every detail? See every source and the public fact log.

1. Work or Activity Rules for Some Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Members PDF
   Oregon Health Authority. Date on it: Updated June 1, 2026.
2. OHP work or activity rules: exemptions explainer and checklist PDF
   Oregon Health Authority. Date on it: No date shown.
3. How will providers be affected by federal changes to Oregon Health Plan (OHP)? (HR1 provider FAQ) PDF
   Oregon Health Authority. Date on it: No date shown.
4. HR1 mythbusters (OHP) PDF
   Oregon Health Authority. Date on it: No date shown.
5. Sample notice: New OHP Rules Begin 01/01/2027 (ONE outreach notice, English) PDF
   Oregon Health Authority. Date on it: No form number or revision date shown.
6. ONE online account and Oregon ONE mobile app
   Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority. Date on it: Not checked.
7. Order of Vacatur and Enjoinment, Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Oz, No. 1:26-cv-12962 (D. Mass. Oct. 29, 2026), Doc. 148
   U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (via CourtListener). Date on it: Oct. 29, 2026.
8. AG Rayfield sues Trump over unlawful implementation of Medicaid work requirements
   Oregon Department of Justice. Date on it: June 29, 2026.
9. OHP Work or Activity Rules and Federal Changes to Oregon Health Plan
   Oregon Health Authority. Date on it: Last updated Sept. 18, 2026.