Oregon’s 2027 open enrollment brings a new marketplace and changing plan options

OREGON – Oregonians shopping for individual health insurance will use a new state-based marketplace for 2027 coverage. Vixen Wecks, an Outreach and Enrollment Specialist with NEON, discussed the transition and encouraged residents to review their options and seek help early.

Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15. To have coverage starting January 1, residents should select a plan by December 31. People who miss open enrollment and do not qualify for another coverage option may have to wait for a future enrollment period.

The major change is Oregon’s move from HealthCare.gov to Explore Health. People whose accounts are being transferred must claim their own accounts in the new system; agents and assisters cannot do that for them, but they can help them. Notices are expected by email or mail, but residents should look for them and make sure their contact information is up to date.

Plan choices are also changing by county. People with plans from departing insurers may be automatically moved to a plan the system considers comparable if they take no action. Wecks encouraged people to review the available plans themselves and check whether their doctors and specialists are in-network.

The changes discussed apply to private individual health plans, not Medicare or the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).  Residents with questions about the changes or choosing a plan can contact their local insurance agent or an assister with NEON for help navigating open enrollment. NEON offers free local enrollment assistance.

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Elkhorn Media Group