Open enrollment starts Nov. 1 for people who don’t qualify for the Oregon Health Plan, or get their health insurance through work.
The Affordable Care Act has changed significantly under the Trump administration, including the elimination of penalties for people who don’t buy insurance.
Even without the mandate, Oregon’s Health Insurance Marketplace remains popular with 148,000 people enrolled last year and multiple insurance choices in every Oregon county.
Marketplace spokeswoman Elizabeth Cronen encourages Oregonians who don't have health insurance to try the state’s new online comparison-shopping feature.
“That’s where you can put in your rough income, your age and where you live and you can see a really solid estimate of what that premium and what those out-of-pocket costs are going to be for you,” Cronen said.
Subsidies are available for people who make up to $50,000 a year, or $103,000 for a family of four.
Last year, those who got subsidies paid an average of $140 a month. The average amount of each subsidy was more than $450 a month.
The window to enroll closes Dec. 15.
People can enroll at the state level at OregonHealthCare.gov or at the federal level at HealthCare.gov. At the state level, there are certified assisters who can help people negotiate the system at no cost. At the federal level, health insurance agents can also provide assistance.
Copyright 2019 Oregon Public Broadcasting
