How will Oregon's health care reform efforts affect you? Bills in the state Legislature currently are considering expanding the Oregon Health Plan to 200,000 more low-income Oregonians. And the state health exchange, Cover Oregon will allow individuals and small employers to compare plans and purchase insurance. Anyone earning under 400 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible for financial help. See more details about Oregon's health reforms.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect.
You Are: | |||||||||||
Currently on the Oregon Health Plan | Your coverage will continue. You likely are enrolled in one of the 15 co-ordinated care organizations operating across the state. In the Portland-metro area that's Healthshare and Familycare. About 600,000 Oregonians currently are enrolled. | ||||||||||
Your family income is at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level:
| While still not passed into law, the legislature is expected to pass a bill that will expand the Oregon Health Plan to the 200,000 people living at or below 138 percent of federal poverty. | ||||||||||
Uninsured but make above the Oregon Health Plan limit | You can buy health coverage through the Cover Oregon health insurance exchange. And if you make less than 400 percent of poverty level you will be eligible for financial assistance to buy your plan. Check out your eligibility by plugging your numbers into the calculator on the Cover Oregon website. You can take the assistance in one lump as a tax break or have it paid to your insurer monthly, lowering your monthly premium. | ||||||||||
A small business owner and your business employs fewer than 50 people. | You can purchase insurance for your employees through the Cover Oregon exchange. If you employ fewer than 25 people, whose average income is $50,000 or less, and if you pay 50 percent of their insurance premiums, you are eligible for a tax credit that can cover up to half your premium costs | ||||||||||
Have a previous medical condition | Insurers can't turn you down for health coverage starting in 2014 |
How Oregon's health reforms are different from Obamacare in any other state
