Oregon Project Independence Medicaid (OPI-M) May Help Cover the Cost of In-Home Care

Finding affordable, reliable home care can make a meaningful difference for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families navigating changing care needs. For many Oregonians, the cost of in-home assistance can be a concern, but there may be programs available to help cover these expenses. Oregon Project Independence Medicaid (OPI-M) is a program designed to help eligible individuals receive the support they need to remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.

At Family Resource Home Care, we understand how important it is for individuals to continue living in familiar surroundings while receiving personalized assistance with everyday activities. As a provider of non-medical home care services covered through OPI-M, we help eligible individuals access dependable care that supports their independence and quality of life.

What Is Oregon Project Independence Medicaid (OPI-M)?

Oregon Project Independence Medicaid (OPI-M) is a state Medicaid program that helps eligible older adults and individuals with disabilities access in-home care services. The program provides an alternative pathway to receiving assistance at home, with higher income and asset limits than many traditional Medicaid long-term care programs. This allows more individuals and families to qualify for services that might otherwise be financially out of reach. Through OPI-M, eligible participants can receive assistance with daily living activities, helping them remain in their homes rather than moving into a residential care setting.

Who Qualifies for OPI-M?

Oregon Project Independence Medicaid (OPI-M) is designed to make in-home care more accessible to qualifying Oregon residents. Eligibility is determined by several factors, including age, care needs, income, and financial resources.

General qualification requirements include:

• Age and care needs: Applicants must meet the program’s age requirements and demonstrate a need for assistance with personal care or daily living activities.
• Income requirements: Applicants must fall within the program’s established income limits, which may vary based on individual circumstances.
• Asset requirements: Applicants must meet the program’s financial resource guidelines, which determine how much an individual can have in countable assets.

Because eligibility guidelines, income limits, and asset requirements change each year, individuals interested in applying should review the most current information. To learn more about the latest qualifications and eligibility requirements, visit the Oregon Project Independence Medicaid (OPI-M) information page.

What Are the Benefits of OPI-M?

One of the biggest advantages of Oregon Project Independence Medicaid is that it helps eligible individuals receive necessary care without the financial burden of paying privately for covered services.

Important program benefits include:

• Covered home care services: Approved OPI-M services are fully covered by Medicaid, with no participant fee for those services.
• Greater financial accessibility: Higher income and resource limits may allow individuals who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid long-term care programs to receive assistance.
• No estate recovery: OPI-M does not require Medicaid estate recovery for services provided through the program, helping participants preserve assets they may wish to leave to their families.
• Personalized support: Services are based on individual care needs, helping participants maintain independence and established daily routines.

OPI-M has also allowed eligible individuals to receive up to 40 hours of in-home care services per two-week pay period, depending on their assessed needs and service authorization. Applicants should verify current service limits when applying.

What Home Care Services Can Family Resource Home Care Provide?

Every individual has different needs, preferences, and daily routines. At Family Resource Home Care, our caregivers provide personalized, non-medical home care that helps clients feel supported while continuing to live in the comfort of their own homes.

Depending on each individual’s care plan and approved program services, our caregivers can assist with:

• Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and other daily personal care activities.
• Medication Reminders: Helping clients remember when to take their medications as directed.
• Meal Preparation: Planning and preparing meals, assisting with food preparation, and cleaning up afterward.
• Light Housekeeping: Helping maintain a clean, comfortable, and organized living environment.
• Mobility and Exercise Support: Assisting with safe movement, transfers, walking, and approved daily activity routines.
• Companionship: Providing conversation, social interaction, and meaningful engagement throughout the day.
• Transportation and Errands: Helping clients get to appointments, complete errands, and participate in activities when authorized.
• Respite Care: Providing temporary caregiving support that gives family caregivers an opportunity to rest and attend to other responsibilities.

Family Resource Home Care also offers flexible care options, including hourly assistance and around-the-clock support for individuals who need more extensive help. However, the specific services and hours covered through OPI-M depend on each participant’s eligibility, assessment, and authorized care plan.

Our goal is to help individuals maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life while providing families with greater peace of mind.

How to Apply for Oregon Project Independence Medicaid

Getting started with OPI-M begins with determining whether you or a loved one meets the program’s eligibility requirements. Individuals interested in receiving assistance can complete the official OPI-M Application through the Oregon Department of Human Services. The application and eligibility review process helps determine whether an individual qualifies for the program and what level of assistance may be available.

For additional guidance, you can explore the following resources:

• Oregon Project Independence Medicaid Program Information: Learn more about eligibility, financial requirements, and covered services.
• OPI-M Application: Access the official application to begin the enrollment process.
• Oregon Department of Human Services: Find information about aging and disability services, Medicaid assistance, and local support resources.
• Oregon Health Authority: Explore additional Oregon health coverage resources and program information.

Stay Independent at Home With Family Resource Home Care

Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel safe, comfortable, and supported in the place they call home. Through programs like Oregon Project Independence Medicaid, more individuals and families may be able to access the home care services they need without the full financial burden of private-pay care.

Contact Family Resource Home Care today to learn more about our home care services, discuss your needs, and take the first step toward receiving personalized support at home. Call us now at 800.775.6380!