Oregon’s annual open enrollment period for health coverage runs through Jan. 15, 2023.
Open enrollment is the only time when anyone who isn’t offered coverage from a job or a public program like the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare can enroll in coverage through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, often with financial help.
Things to know for this open enrollment:
♦ Eligibility rules have changed this year, making health coverage more affordable for thousands of Oregonians. Previously, people offered health coverage through a spouse or parent’s employer could not access financial help if the least expensive plan offered to only the employee was considered affordable. New rules allow those who previously were ineligible for financial help through the Marketplace if that coverage is considered unaffordable to the enrollee.
♦ Nearly 80% of Oregonians who applied for financial help qualified in 2022. The average amount of financial help received was $483 per month.
♦ Oregonians have choices when it comes to choosing health plans. All Oregonians have at least four insurance companies and 26 plans to choose from.
♦ Free local help is available throughout the state. Licensed insurance agents and trained community groups can be found at OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp.
Sorting through health coverage options can be confusing, but Oregonians should know that there are tools. OregonHealthCare.gov offers a window-shopping tool where users can preview available plans and savings. The tool also allows users to see which plans cover their prescription drugs and are networked with preferred doctors or hospitals. A new tool available at OregonHealthCare.gov can help determine if job-based coverage is considered affordable.