Oregon Project Independence-Medicaid (OPI-M) is a Medicaid-funded program for seniors and physically disabled adults who require assistance with their daily living activities, and want to remain in their home.
OPI-M provides in-home services and, depending on need, can also provide community services such as emergency response systems, meal delivery, home safety modifications, and personal care. There is no fee for this program and the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program is not applicable to OPI-M beneficiaries.
In Central Oregon, the Council on Aging partners with Oregon’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement OPI-M. DHS manages applications and eligibility, and both organizations provide case management.
Who is eligible for OPI-M?
- Aged 60+
- Aged 18-59 and physically disabled
- Need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Meet certain income requirements: https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/oregon-project-independence
- Live in their own home or with a loved one. Assisted living, residential care, and adult foster homes are not eligible.
Services and supports available through OPI-M may include, but is not limited to:
- Meals on Wheels
- Housekeeping assistance
- Personal care assistance
- Health and medical equipment
- Case management
General Questions: Call the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-673-2372 or go to their website at https://www.adrcoforegon.org/consumersite/index.php. You can also call the Council on Aging office at 541-678-5483.
Eligibility and Application Questions: Call your local Aging and People with Disabilities Office (APD), which are located in the DHS office – https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.
To Apply: Go to the nearest APD office or download the application here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/seniors-disabilities/Documents/opi-m-application.pdf. Once complete, mail it in or take it to the APD office.
Please note that the full Medicaid application process takes time, from the beginning of the application process through the receipt of the determination letter indicating approval or denial. Applications for OPI-M are managed and assessed by DHS, not the Council on Aging.
