Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Thursday morning, Nov. 1, marked the beginning of open enrollment, the six-week period to sign up for individual and family health insurance. In a kick-off event at the Asian Health and Service Center, Gov. Brown and other Oregon leaders encouraged people to check whether they qualify for financial help with their health insurance. Financial help for people who buy their own insurance is available only through HealthCare.gov, also known as the marketplace. “I want to take us from 94 to 99 percent access to health care for adults,” said Gov. Brown. “The marketplace is an important way to get there. Eighty percent of Oregonians who are currently uninsured are eligible for either the Oregon Health Plan or financial assistance through the marketplace.” Open enrollment lasts through Dec. 15. People who are uninsured or who may be paying too much for their coverage should apply for financial assistance through the marketplace. The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, the state-based partner to HealthCare.gov, works to ease the enrollment process. “We train and support community groups and insurance agents all around the state who are ready to help people, help them fill out their application, help them understand their options, help them pick a plan,” said Cameron Smith, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is a division of DCBS. Last year, more than 70 percent of Oregonians who enrolled in plans through HealthCare.gov qualified for help paying for coverage. For 2019 coverage, individuals making $48,560 or less, and families of four making $100,400 or less, may qualify. Financial help can be significant. For 2018 coverage, Oregonians who qualified for financial help got plans with an average premium of $138. Once open enrollment ends Dec. 15, people will be able to buy insurance plans only if they have a qualifying event, such as losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby. Oregonians should go to OregonHealthCare.gov to get started, or to find free, local help enrolling.
