New Health Insurance Plan Offerings

Oregonians are currently in the middle of a time of great change in the kinds of health insurance plans that are available.  Below we will keep a running report as to the current state of available health plans.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon

Effective October 1, 2008, will update the rates for their Oregon individual health plans. 

Providence Health Plans of Oregon

Effective November 1, 2008, has updated the rates and benefits for their Oregon individual health plans..

Oregon Insurance Regulations: Maternity waiting periods

Effective May 1, 2006, OAR 836-053-0003: This rulemaking affirms the statutory prohibition against the use of a policy exclusion or waiver in a health insurance policy with respect to pregnancy and childbirth expenses, for which coverage is required by ORS 743.693. Simply stated, maternity benefits are now subject to the pre-existing condition waiting period (6 months).  A pregnant woman is deemed uninsurable if trying to apply, but a woman that is not pregnant has immediate maternity benefits. This waiting period can be waived if the prior creditable coverage terminated no more than 63 days prior to the effective date of the new policy.  If a woman is pregnant and looking for individual coverage, the only option available is an OMIP (Oregon Medical Insurance Pool) plan.  There will be a 6 month waiting period before any maternity benefits are paid...

Competitor Secure 12x3 STM

Click here for information about a new Short Term Medical plan in Oregon from HPA. This plan can be repurchased for up to a total of 36 months instead of the 6 to 12 month maximums for other plans. The benefits are unique and it also has features like an Rx discount card and LabOne discounts as well.

Medicare Part D Informaiton

Click here for an overview of what is available with Medicare Part D Rx benefits in Oregon.

FHIAP

The Family Health Insurance Assistance Program or FHIAP was created by the 1997 Oregon Legislature to help low-income Oregonians afford private health insurance. FHIAP pays 50 percent to 95 percent of monthly health insurance premiums. The amount is based on family size and income. For example, FHIAP would pay half the monthly premium for a family of four earning up to $2,906 a month. FHIAP does not help members pay for deductibles, co-pays, or any other coinsurance associated with the members health insurance plan. Click here for more information.