Oregon Individual and Family Health Insurance

Secure a sensible Oregon health insurance plan in the metropolitan areas of Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Sherwood, Happy Valley, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Medford, Bend, Springfield, Corvallis, Tigard, Albany, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, and Oregon City.  Oregon health insurance plans are also available in smaller cities such as Prescott, Antelope, Shaniko, Lonerock, and Greenhorn.

The State of Affairs of Oregon’s Health Insurance

Oregon, as a state, spent $17.5 billion on healthcare expenses in 2004, with physician, professional, and hospital fees claiming the greatest percentage of costs.  Oregonians face rising healthcare costs, which grow at 8% each year.  With this understanding, accessing affordable Oregon individual health insurance is paramount.

The Beaver State is the green home to more than 3.7 million residents.  23% of the population receives Medicaid and/or Medicare coverage.  Nearly 52%, or 1.9 million residents, obtain their Oregon small business health insurance coverage through their employers.  These employees, on average, pay premium of $536 for individual health insurance and $3,252 for family health insurance plans.

These high premiums necessitate a survey of other means of obtaining Oregon health coverage. Fortunately, health insurance plans from individual markets have lower premiums, which is also good news for those seeking self employed health insurance.  As your health insurance agent, InsureMonkey provides an opportunity for residents to easily compare Oregon health plans.

Oregon Health Insurance Providers

Oregon’s High Risk Pool

In Oregon, a high-risk pool program was created in 1990, serving almost 15,000 residents of the state. The high-risk pool program exists to assist residents who have pre-existing conditions that prohibit them from obtaining health insurance coverage. This Oregon healthcare program will also help residents who have exhausted their COBRA benefits.

The high-risk pool in Oregon is called the OMIP or the Oregon Medical Insurance Pool. There are several health plans offered by the OMIP and each plan corresponds to certain benefits and premiums.

To determine your eligibility, as well as access comprehensive information about premium rates and application procedures, call the toll-free number 1-800-848-7280.

Oregon’s Uninsured

According to the Urban Institute and the Kaiser Commission, in 2007 and 2007, the total number of uninsured Oregonians was more than 648,000.  Approximately 18% of this population, totaling 117,000, is uninsured children.

The Oregon Population Survey in 2006 revealed that many of the uninsured could have been eligible for one or more of the state’s publicly funded health insurance programs. Many of the uninsured could also obtain low-cost health plans from several Oregon insurance providers.

The situation can be remedied by consulting InsureMonkey. Oregonians, through InsureMonkey, will find a wide variety of options that can help take care of medical needs.

Oregon SCHIP

The State Children’s Health Insurance Plan in Oregon is included in the state’s umbrella program called Oregon Health Plan. It was originally a Medicaid program that expanded to include coverage for children whose families do not meet the income eligibility requirements of traditional Medicaid.

Eligibility for CHIP coverage must meet income requirements. A child’s parents must generate less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level as of January 2009, which roughly accounts to an annual income of $32,560.

To apply or to get more information about the Oregon Health Plan, please dial (1-800) 359-9517 or visit the website at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/healthplan/app_benefits/schip.shtml. Application forms can be downloaded from the same site. These forms must be completed and mailed to the nearest office of the Department of Human Services.

Medicaid in Oregon

The Medicaid Program in Oregon is incorporated into the state’s OHP or Oregon Health Plan. It is a comprehensive health care program that aims to provide coverage for low-income residents of Oregon. Eligibility rules and benefits differ among categories. For example, pregnant women with low incomes, as well as children younger than 19, are automatically eligible for the highest coverage.

Since there are 28 different types of services, the state government offers an interactive online screening program that will help Oregon residents determine the appropriate healthcare service for them. This can be found at http://www.oregonhelps.org/.

For those concerned with income eligibility requirements, here is a quick breakdown:

•    Children
      o    Infants Ages 0-1:  $23,408 or 133% of the Federal Poverty Level as of January 2009
      o    Children Ages 1-5:  $23,408 or 133% of the Federal Poverty Level as of January 2009
      o    Children Ages 6-19:  $17,600 or 100% of the Federal Poverty Level as of January 2009
•    Parents
      o    Non-Working:  $17,600 or 100% of the Federal Poverty Level as of January 2009
      o    Working:  $17,600 or 100% of the Federal Poverty Level as of January 2009
•    Women
      o    Pregnant women: $32,560 or 185% of the Federal Poverty Level as of January 2009

To apply for coverage from the Oregon Health Plan, a resident must obtain an application packet. This packet can be ordered by visiting a local branch of the Department of Human Services, by dialing 800-359-9517 or 1-800-699-9075, or by downloading an electronic version from the website, at http://dhsforms.hr.state.or.us/Forms/Served/HE7210pkt.pdf. Application packets are also available at most hospitals, county health departments, federally qualified health centers, and other OHP outreach sites.

For the elderly or persons aged 65 years and older and for those who are receiving the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they can obtain coverage by visiting a local office of Area Agency in Aging or by calling 1-800-282-8096. Additional questions regarding the Oregon Health Plan can be addressed by dialing 1-800-943-9249.

(Facts throughout this page provided by the Kaiser Family Foundation at www.statehealthfacts.org and by The New Health Insurance Solution at www.tnhis.com.  Commentary provided by InsureMonkey.)

State Resources

Oregon Health Plan
Website: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/healthplan/index.shtml
Phones: 503-945-5772 or 800-527-5772
Email: dmap.info@state.or.us

Department of Human Services
Website: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/
Phone: 503-945-5944

Public Health Division
Website: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/contact_us.shtml
Phone: 971-673-1222

Department of Insurance
Website: http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/ins/
Phone: 503-947-7980