How NHC’s MES Team Helps More Oregonians Access Healthcare

At Neighborhood Health Center (NHC), we believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter their income or insurance status. That’s why our Membership and Engagement Services (MES) team works every day to help people apply for health insurance, renew their coverage, and understand their benefits.

In 2024, MES helped 2,039 people in our community—an 18% increase from the previous year! This means more families, children, and individuals got the support they needed to stay covered and access healthcare without financial stress.

So, what does the MES team do, and how does their work help people across Oregon? Let’s take a closer look.

a group of people standing behind a table at the health fair
The MES Team at the Annual Health Fair.

What is the Membership and Engagement Services (MES) Team?

The MES team helps people with their health insurance needs. Many people don’t realize they qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other programs. MES helps by:

  • Assisting with insurance applications – Helping people fill out applications and gather the necessary documents.
  • Renewing coverage – Making sure patients don’t lose insurance when it’s time to renew.
  • Updating information – Keeping insurance details correct, like new addresses or family changes.
  • Explaining benefits – Teaching people what their insurance covers and how to use it.
  • Finding the right provider – Helping patients find providers, including dentists and specialists, in their network.

MES serves anyone in the community — you don’t have to be an NHC patient to get help!

How MES Helped More People in 2024

Several big changes led to more people needing help last year.

  • OHP Bridge Program – A new program expanded low- and no-cost healthcare to people with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level (previously, the limit was 138%). Many people didn’t know they qualified, and MES helped them apply.
  • Public Health Benefits Unwinding – Many Oregonians had to reapply for OHP after the pandemic, leading to more questions and assistance needs.
  • More Community Outreach – MES proactively contacted patients to help them renew coverage and avoid losing insurance.
  • School-Based Services – MES worked directly with students and families in Beaverton and Tigard-Tualatin schools to help them apply for insurance and find providers.

How MES Changes Lives

For many people, having health insurance means the difference between getting the care they need or going without. The MES team has helped countless patients access medical, dental, and behavioral health services that were once out of reach.

Here are just a few of their impactful stories:

“One of my most memorable moments was helping a patient who had been uninsured for years. They had no idea they qualified for OHP, and when I told them they now had full medical, dental, and vision coverage, they were so relieved. They kept thanking me and saying how much it would change their life.” – Betty T.G., Engagement Ambassador

“What motivates me every day is knowing I’m helping patients access resources they never knew existed—whether it’s OHP, SNAP, or transportation assistance. Sometimes, just one conversation can change a patient’s entire outlook on their healthcare options.” – Martha G., Engagement Ambassador

“Many students don’t understand insurance at all. I help them learn what it means and how to use it. For some, this is the first time they’re taking charge of their health.” – Jovani C., School-based Engagement Ambassador

Each day, the MES team works hard to remove barriers to healthcare and make sure no one is left without coverage.

Need Help With Health Insurance?

If you or someone you know needs help applying for or renewing health insurance, the MES team is here to help!

📞 Call Us: (503) 941-3030
📧 Email Us: MES@NHCOregon.org
💻 Learn More about NHC’s financial assistance and accepted insurance plans.

Health insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Let us help you get covered!

Thanks to the dedicated MES team, thousands of Oregonians now have the health coverage they need to stay healthy and thrive. Their work makes a lasting impact on families, individuals, and communities across Oregon. Thank you, MES, for making a difference every day!