There is a new way for you to shop and apply for affordable health insurance in the Marketplace created by health reform (also known as “Obamacare”).
What is the Marketplace?
The Marketplace (Cover Oregon) provides an easy way to get health insurance that is the best fit for you. You can look at different health plans, compare monthly costs and enroll in the plan you want. Depending on your income, you may qualify for financial help to lower your monthly insurance costs. For example, single people making up to $46,000 per year and families of four making up to $94,000 per year will qualify for financial help. You may also qualify for coverage under Medicaid even if you did not before.
Open enrollment ends on March 31, 2014.
Who can get health insurance in the Marketplace?
The Marketplace is open to nearly everyone, including U.S. citizens and people with different immigration and residency statuses. Small business owners with 50 or fewer employees can also compare and buy health plans through Cover Oregon. Undocumented immigrants cannot get insurance in the Marketplace. Even if you are not eligible to purchase insurance through the Marketplace, you can apply for your children or other family members who might be eligible.
What if I need help?
In Oregon, there are Assisters who you can meet with face-to-face at no cost to help you figure out your health insurance options. These Assisters are employees or volunteers at community organizations such as community health centers, doctor’s offices and social service agencies who have been trained and certified by the state to help you enroll in coverage. For information on how to contact a community partner Assister, visit http://www.coveroregon.com/agent/find or call 1-855-268-3767.
You can also contact Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) at:1-503-512-0274 or www.apano.org for help.