About Individual Health Insurance in Oregon

Insurance options exist for individuals in Oregon.

For health insurance, Oregon may be known for its innovative strategies regarding Medicaid that went into effect in 1993. Multiple options exist for individuals needing health insurance in Oregon, as of August 2010.

Advantages

In Oregon, individuals can obtain health coverage even after being denied on a specific insurance plan. Insurance can be bought from the Oregon Medical Insurance Pool, which also involves paying a premium surcharge.

Disadvantages

For those with modest-to-low income and qualifying for state assistance, the Family Health Insurance Assistance Program may pay 50 percent to 95 percent of insurance premiums for qualifying residents, which includes individuals. However, according to Oregon's Office of Private Health Partnerships, the waiting list for individuals is substantial, as of August 2010.

Distinction

The 1993 Medicaid reforms, which came under the Oregon Health Plan, brought coverage to more individuals with the trade-off of limited coverage for each recipient. Under the OHP, 380,000 people receive coverage every month, as of September 2007.

References

• "Essentials of Health Economics"; Diane M. Dewar; 2009
• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Medical Care for the Uninsured"; Mark L. Friedman, Donna Raskin; 2008
• Oregon: Family Health Insurance Assistance Program
• Oregon Department of Human Services: Oregon Health Plan