Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Oregon. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Oregon)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Oregon SHIP)
Oregon's State Health Insurance Assistance Program is branded SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance), a statewide network of trained, certified volunteer counselors run through Oregon state government. SHIBA gives free, unbiased one-on-one help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap, enrollment, appeals, and fraud questions, and counselors do not sell insurance. Statewide line: 1-800-722-4134. Online: shiba.oregon.gov. Email: shiba.oregon@odhs.oregon.gov.
Medicaid in Oregon
Oregon's Medicaid program is the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), run by the Oregon Health Authority. Apply online through the ONE system at one.oregon.gov, or by phone through ONE Customer Service at 1-800-699-9075 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific). Older adults and people with disabilities can also apply through the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-673-2372 (1-855-ORE-ADRC) or a local Oregon Department of Human Services office. OHP can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Oregon runs the Oregon Prescription Drug Program (OPDP), a free discount card from the Oregon Health Authority. It is open to any Oregon resident with no age, income, or membership requirement and offers savings on generic and brand medications at participating pharmacies (it is a discount, not insurance, and does not pay a fixed share of the cost). Enroll for free at oregon.gov/oha/hpa/dsi-opdp or by phone at 1-800-913-4146. For deeper help, call SHIBA at 1-800-722-4134, which screens you for Medicare Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy), and use BenefitsCheckUp.org for manufacturer patient-assistance programs.
Energy and utility help
Oregon runs LIHEAP through Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), delivered by local Community Action Agencies. LIHEAP helps pay home energy costs for households at or below 60 percent of Oregon's median income, with grants paid directly to your utility; seniors 60 and older and people with disabilities get priority, and crisis cases (shutoff notice or broken heat) are expedited. To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency (call 1-800-453-5511, option 2, or find your agency at oregon.gov/ohcs), or dial 211. Both homeowners and renters may apply. There is no fixed annual deadline, but funds are first-come, first-served.
Property tax relief (Oregon)
Oregon does not have a general senior homestead exemption. Its main senior program is a deferral, so read the caution below before you sign.
- Oregon Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Homeowners (ORS 311.668), through the Oregon Department of Revenue and your county assessor: the state pays your property taxes to the county each November 15 and records a lien on your home; the deferred taxes plus 6 percent annual interest become due when the home is sold, the owner moves out, or the owner passes away. To qualify for the 2026 program you must be at least 62 years old by April 15 (or receiving federal Social Security disability), have household income of $70,000 or less (2025 income), have owned and lived in the home for at least 5 consecutive years, and have a net worth under $500,000 (not counting the home or personal property). Apply with the Oregon Department of Revenue (forms at oregon.gov/dor), generally by April 15; late filings run April 16 to December 1 with a county late fee.
- One caution (important): this is a deferral, not forgiveness. It can be a lifeline for someone who is house-rich and cash-poor, but the lien and the 6 percent interest reduce what the family keeps when the home is sold or inherited. Understand the trade-off, and talk it over with family, before applying.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Oregon's Area Agencies on Aging and the statewide Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-673-2372 arrange home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation. You can also reach your local agency through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, contact Legal Aid Services of Oregon or the Oregon Senior Law Project through your ADRC or 211.
Frequently asked questions
What is Oregon's SHIP program? It is SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance), Oregon's free Medicare counseling network. Reach it at 1-800-722-4134.
Does Oregon offer senior property tax relief? Oregon has no general senior exemption, but it offers the Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Homeowners: the state pays your taxes and records a lien repaid with 6 percent interest when the home is sold. For 2026 you must be 62 by April 15, have household income of $70,000 or less, 5 years of ownership and residency, and net worth under $500,000.
Does Oregon help seniors pay for prescriptions? Oregon offers the free Oregon Prescription Drug Program discount card (no age or income limit) at 1-800-913-4146, and SHIBA can screen you for Medicare Extra Help.
How do Oregon seniors get help with energy bills? Through LIHEAP, run by Oregon Housing and Community Services and delivered by local Community Action Agencies. Call 1-800-453-5511 option 2, or dial 211.
Sources
- Oregon SHIBA, Medicare help / Get help (1-800-722-4134): https://shiba.oregon.gov/get-help/pages/shiba-help.aspx . Verified June 8, 2026.
- Oregon Health Authority, Apply for the Oregon Health Plan (ONE 1-800-699-9075; ADRC 1-855-673-2372): https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/ohp/pages/apply.aspx . Verified June 8, 2026.
- Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Prescription Drug Program (free discount card, no age/income limit): https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hpa/dsi-opdp/pages/index.aspx . Verified June 8, 2026.
- Oregon Housing and Community Services, Energy Assistance / LIHEAP (60% state median income): https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/energy-weatherization/pages/utility-bill-payment-assistance.aspx . Verified June 8, 2026.
- Oregon Department of Revenue, Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Homeowners (age 62 by April 15, $70,000 income cap for 2026, 6% interest, lien): https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/property/pages/senior-and-disabled-property-tax-deferral-program.aspx . Verified June 8, 2026.