Oregonians who signed up for individual health insurance during open enrollment have four important tasks to consider as 2018 kicks off. The tasks are: * Pay your January premium: Signing up for a 2018 health plan was the first step, but your coverage does not go into effect until you pay the first month’s premium. * Watch your mail for Form 1095: If you had health insurance last year, you may need this document to complete your 2017 federal tax filing. More information on these forms is available at https://go.usa.gov/xnmX5 . * Special enrollment for discontinued health plans: Oregonians who were enrolled in individual health benefit plans that discontinued on Dec. 31, 2017, qualify for a special enrollment period that runs through March 1. If you qualify for the special enrollment period, you may enroll through HealthCare.gov, directly with a carrier or by contacting a licensed health insurance agent. * Get to know your health plan: Get familiar with your plan’s benefits, providers and prescription drug coverage. Learn which doctors and hospitals are in your plan’s network, the out-of-pocket costs, if you need a referral to see a specialist, and if your current medications are covered. It is important to know your plan’s network because many plans do not cover non-emergency services by out-of-network providers. If you have any questions regarding these tasks contact your health insurance provider, your agent or call the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace at 855-268-3767 (toll-free). If you need to file a complaint visit http://dfr.oregon.gov/gethelp/Pages/file-a-complaint.aspx or call 888-877-4894 (toll-free).
