Institutional Revenue Section

General information 

• Oregon Law provides that persons admitted to the State-Operated Psychiatric Hospitals and Training Centers are liable for the cost of their care. The law also provides that we must determine whether each person is able to pay, either now or at some point in the future, the costs of the services they receive. (For more information, see ORS 179.610 thru 179.750)
• It is the responsibility of the Institutional Revenue Section to determine the cost of care for each program within the institutions and to investigate to discover the persons resources available to pay for this care. Once the resources are identified, claims are submitted, charges are determined, and collection action taken to obtain payment as needed.
• In determining charges for a persons cost of care, Oregon Law and Administrative Rules require that the charges assessed against the individual be based on that persons ability to pay. This determination of ability to pay requires consideration of the persons individual assets and income as well as their legal and moral obligations, personal and special spending needs, and needs upon discharge. In certain cases, the funds needed to facilitate a persons release into the community may be obtained by refunding monies paid by the individual for their care. (For more information, see OAR 309-012-0030 thru 309-012-0115)
• The third party resources most commonly pursued by the Institutional Revenue Section include Private Health Insurance, Medicare, Medicare plus Choice Plans, and Medicaid.
• The Institutional Revenue Section works closely with Federal, State, and Community groups such as the Social Security Administration, Medicare Intermediary and Carrier, Medicaid eligibility groups within the Department of Human Services (SPD, AAA, etc), the institutions treatment and administrative staff, and mental health advocacy groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are persons liable for the cost of their care if court committed to the hospital?

Answer: Yes, in most cases. There are a few exceptions such as persons who were sentenced to a correctional facility and then transferred to the state hospital for care and treatment.

Question: Are parents or family members liable for the cost of care for their child or family member?

Answer: No. Under Oregon Revised Statutes, only the patient is liable for the cost of care. However, individuals acting as a Personal Representative, such as a Payee, Conservator, or Trustee may be billed for the cost of the persons care if they are managing or controlling the persons assets or income.

Question: Why doesn't Medicaid pay the cost of hospital care for persons between the age of 21 and 65?

Answer: Medicaid rules currently prohibit payment of care provided to persons between the age of 21 and 65 when care is provided by an Institution for Mental Disease such as Oregon State Hospital and Eastern Oregon Psychiatric Center.

Question: If a person is unable to afford to pay for their care at the time of their admission can charges be assessed at a later date?

Answer: Yes. A re-determination of a persons ability to pay may be made anytime during the hospital stay or within 36 months from the date of discharge. In addition, a claim may be filed in their estate for any unpaid cost of care.

Question: Are Social Security and Veterans' benefits used in the calculation to determine a persons ability to pay?

Answer: Yes. Social Security and Veterans' benefits are considered income the same as income from any other source, such as earned income, unearned income, and interest.

For information regarding the Institutional Revenue Section or your account, please call:

Eastern Oregon Billings Office
(541) 276-0810 ext. 379

Oregon State Hospital Billings Office
(503) 945-9840

Institutional Revenue Section
(503) 945-9840