<P> The Oregon Medical Insurance Pool (OMIP), instituted in 1987, is designed to provide medical insurance coverage for residents of the state of Oregon with pre-existing conditions (i.e. HIV / AIDS, diabetes, etc .) who do not already have private insurance . OMIP is administered by Oregon's Office of Private Health Partnerships through Blue Cross / Blue Shield . It functions similarly to other private insurance . </P> <P> HIV / AIDS clients of OMIP are able to receive needed assistance through the federally sponsored Ryan White CARE Act . CAREAssist, Oregon's AIDS Drug Assistance Program, is funded the federal Ryan White CARE program . CAREAssist pays insurance premiums and medical services / prescription co-pays for individuals in need who are infected with HIV / AIDS . </P>

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