Secure Health Coverage: Oregon’s State-Based Insurance Exchange

– Gov. Tina Kotek has signed Senate Bill 972, allowing Oregon to transition from the federal health insurance marketplace to a state-based exchange with potential benefits like expanded health insurance coverage, controlled premium growth, and lower administrative costs.
– A state-based exchange could enhance the state’s ability to serve diverse populations, reach underserved communities, improve access to behavioral health services, lower uninsured rates, and use state-specific data to target specific geographic, economic, and demographic profiles. In 2022, Oregon’s health insurance coverage reached 95.4%, surpassing the national average by over 3%.
– By transitioning to a state-based exchange, Oregon can design and manage its own health insurance marketplace, enabling more robust regulation and oversight mechanisms, and tailoring policies and subsidies to its residents’ unique needs. Previous research shows that states with their own health care marketplaces have up to 20% lower premiums than states on the federal system.

Gov. Tina Kotek Signs Senate Bill for State-Based Health Insurance Exchange in Oregon

Gov. Tina Kotek has enacted Senate Bill 972, shifting Oregon from the federal health insurance marketplace to a state-based exchange. The move could potentially expand health insurance coverage and mitigate premium growth.

Benefits of a State-Based Health Insurance Exchange

A state-based exchange could consolidate Oregon’s broad range of health care priorities. It would provide state officials with the autonomy to better serve diverse populations, reach medically underserved communities, enhance access to behavioral health services, reduce uninsured rates, and minimize administrative costs.

Kotek’s signature fulfills her campaign pledge of extended affordable health care access to all Oregonians. The launch of a state-administered exchange could foster increased enrollment and maintain costs under the state’s jurisdiction.

All states participate in a healthcare marketplace where residents can purchase affordable plans. Some states, like Oregon, are transitioning to state-based exchanges from the federal marketplace to reap the benefits of tailored state policies and greater control.

Improving Health Insurance Coverage in Oregon

Approximately 150,000 Oregon residents subscribed to health plans via the federal exchange last year. Transitioning to a state-based exchange could boost those figures, especially important as the state concludes Medicaid coverage for individuals who no longer qualify.

State-based exchanges enhance outreach and enrollment efforts for underserved groups, offering targeted approaches based on specific geographic, economic, and demographic factors, thanks to improved access to state-specific data.

As the COVID health crisis ends, Oregon must strive to preserve enrollment gains made over the years. In 2022, 95.4% of residents had health insurance coverage, exceeding the national average by over 3%.

State-Based Exchange Impact on Women’s Health Care

The shift to a state-based exchange could assist in maintaining women’s health care in Oregon. Currently, more than 87,000 women in the state lack health care coverage. Implementing a state-run exchange could significantly reduce this rate by introducing tailored campaigns and programs.

Impact on Premium Costs

Transitioning to a state-based exchange could lower operating costs, helping to control premium growth. States running their own exchanges have had more success in containing premium growth and encouraging more insurer competition, leading to premium reductions over time. States with their own health care marketplaces have up to 20% lower premiums than those on the federal system.

Addressing Unique Health Care Challenges

a state-based exchange allows a state to design its health insurance marketplace, considering the specific needs of its residents. This local control enables the state to tailor the marketplace to address the unique health care challenges faced by its population.

This shift to a state-based exchange could make health insurance more accessible and affordable. The transition prepares the state and its residents for a new health care era, one managed by and for Oregon.

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