“Cover Oregon was a political and policy train wreck.  And those of us who have worked on its resurrection have done good work.”

So began an informative update of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace provided last week by Michael Morter, agent and small business liaison for the organization.

Michael Morter discusses the Health Insurance Marketplace in Oregon.

Now a division in the Dept. of Consumer and Business Services, the Marketplace is “a smaller, leaner organization, one-quarter the size of our predecessor,” he said. “We are now separate from the Division of Financial Regulation, which was formerly the Oregon Insurance Division.”

According to Michael, “Senate Bill 1 restored full legislative oversight and control to state government.  Since July 1, 2015, we report quarterly to the state Legislature.”   Among the division’s responsibilities are oversight and administration of various insurance programs, and agent and small business engagement.  Michael said they are working hand-in-hand with industry and stakeholders, including agents, insurers, the IRS, etc.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was the initial impetus for the program. It stipulated that you “must have minimum essential coverage or pay a penalty,” Michael said. “There was no denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions.  Insurance premiums are determined by how many are enrolled in the plan.”

You’ve probably heard of “Healthcare.gov.”  That is the information technology platform now used by the Marketplace to determine eligibility and do enrollment in insurance plans.

Michael said the market segment getting the most attention is the “Individual” market, although it is just 5.7% of the total market in Oregon.  “Just shy of 250,00 people are in this market,” he said.  “Year over year, it has seen the largest enrollment increases.”

ISSUES

The Individual market has also seen higher than expected health care costs, contributing to large losses for insurance companies and significant rate increases.  Some insurers are leaving the market or parts of the state.

In the “Group” market, rate levels are more stable, he said, but the size of the market is now in flux.

He outlined some federal barriers to market stability:

  • Multiple attempts to repeal the ACA; most recent was Sept. 30
  • Open enrollment period was shortened to 6 weeks from 12
  • The national advertising budget was cut from $100 million to $10 million in Sept.

WHAT NOW?

Michael said new products are being offered, such as short-term medical plans and coverage -specific plans (such as cancer-only, for example.) Both of these typically exclude pre-existing conditions.

He closed with a comment on the importance of working with an agent if you need health insurance. “They do not have sharp teeth,” he joked. “They are licensed and regulated by the state and it does not cost you money.”

GUESTS

It was a family affair last week when Dan Keuler (below) brought his wife, Lydia, and just-about-two-months-old son, Jackson, to our meeting.

Dan, Lydia and Jackson.

Kaitlyn Ragan (below) from the Idea Center at George Fox University was the guest of Geoff Gilmore. She visited to ask for volunteers to help students with a mock interview event on Nov. 20 at noon.  Help is needed for only one hour to pose provided questions to the students so they can practice to secure possible internships. Paul Jellum volunteered last year and said it’s easy!  If you can help, please contact Geoff.

Kaitlyn Ragan.

Marge O’Connell brought her neighbor and best friend, Velda Mitchell.

Beth Pent from Attrell’s was in attendance and will be inducted into our club this week!  Welcome, Beth.

Jake Ramirez from Water Bear also joined us.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Greeters are needed for future meetings. Please email Leona Todd or sign up at Wednesday’s meeting if you can help out.

Wish I had a photo of Denise Bacon organizing everyone in attendance last week to send a “selfie video” to Jack Czarnecki. Jack is recovering from brain surgery at Marquis Rehab in Newberg. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jack!

You must check out the library’s display of Gertrude the Penguin. It’s located across from the main entrance to the Cultural Center. Past President Leah Griffith, below, stands near the sculpture, which represents a threatened species. All of the trash plastic making up this amazing penguin was collected from beaches by volunteers.

Leah and Gertrude.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • Dec. 2 is the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event in the Cultural District. Festivities get underway at 3pm; Santa arrives at 5:30pm. A holiday craft fair and a kids craft sale are also planned.
  • Providence Newberg Health Foundation is sponsoring “An Evening of Hope” on Dec. 13, from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Chehalem Cultural Center. Well-known violinist Aaron Meyer will be performing. The event is to fund new technology which will help increase breast cancer detection and save more lives.  Tickets are $25, and are available at http://pnhf.ejoinme.org/benefit or by calling 503-537-1671.