Cover Oregon: What do you need to know?

Health care reform is coming, one way or another. One big way is that individuals and small businesses will have a different system through which to purchase health insurance in the state of Oregon. Cover Oregon is “a new central marketplace where Oregon individuals and employers will be able to shop for health insurance plans and access financial assistance to help pay for coverage.” Beginning October 1, 2013, individuals and small employers will be able to compare plans and prices online for benefits that will become effective January 1, 2014.

Individuals/Families

Cover Oregon offers financial tools and answers to frequently asked questions on their page subtitled “A Plan for Every Oregonian.” You can learn more about financial help, see how to compare benefits and associated costs such as the Standard Silver Plan, or even let their calculator estimate your monthly premium. Once the site goes “live” October 1, visitors will be able to fully compare plans from a variety of carriers and benefit levels.

Small Employers

Business owners who want to shop benefits for 50 or fewer full-time equivalents (FTEs) have their own page on Cover Oregon, entitled “A Healthier Way to Do Business.” Until the marketplace is available, you can access their Small Business fact sheet, answer frequently asked questions, and learn more about how Cover Oregon can assist small employers despite the federal delays. In addition, small businesses that have fewer than 25 full-time workers, pay average annual wages below $50,000, and cover at least 50 percent of the cost of coverage might be eligible for financial assistance. If you think your business might qualify, take a look at the IRS page for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

If you still have questions related to anything Cover Oregon, you can always visit their main FAQ page or Xenium Benefits Administration clients can call our Benefits Department at 503-612-1564.

