Dear John,

This public health crisis is just another reminder of the difference good, affordable health insurance can make in accessing care and staying healthy. The last thing any Oregonian -- regardless of the color of their skin, where they live, or their income -- needs right now is the fear that urgent medical care will ruin them financially. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for over 250,000 Oregonians, and millions of Americans throughout the country, who are without health insurance. 

That’s why I’m reaching out with some information that might help you secure health insurance through the State of Oregon. If you if don't already have coverage and would like help signing up for any of the following options, one of Oregon’s Community Partners may be able to help you locate health care coverage:  

-- If you recently experienced a qualifying life event -- including losing employer-sponsored health insurance or student health insurance: you can sign up for health coverage via the marketplace within 30 to 60 days after the event. You can apply online here or call 1-800-318-2596. If you lost a job that did not provide health insurance, unfortunately, a job loss or a change in income alone doesn't make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in marketplace coverage. You do not need a qualifying life event to be eligible for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP); enrollment is always available for Oregon’s Medicaid coverage. To see if you are eligible for OHP, you can visit here or call: 1-800-699-9075. 

-- If your employer reduced the hours you work and you’re enrolled in a marketplace plan: You can update your HealthCare.gov application within 30 days to report any household income changes. You may qualify for more savings than you are getting now. You can report changes here. 

-- If you would like to find free help near you: To figure out what you are eligible for, one of Oregon’s community partners may be able to assist you. Locate a community partner near you here: https://healthcare.oregon.gov/Pages/find-help.aspx. 

-- If you are eligible to continue or begin marketplace coverage: You may be eligible for a premium tax credit to help pay for your plan. Create an account or log in to start your marketplace application to find out if you qualify. 

-- If you get a pandemic direct payment from the IRS, called an "economic impact payment," via direct deposit or check: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act required the IRS to make economic impact payments of up to $1,200 per taxpayer and $500 for each qualifying child for people who earn less than $99,000 (or $198,000 for a couple).  If you receive one of these payments, they do not affect your eligibility for financial assistance for health care coverage through the Marketplace, or your eligibility for OHP/Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For more information, visit IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief information.

-- If you receive unemployment benefits: The federal increase in unemployment benefits of an additional $600 per week for up to four months (ending July 31, 2020) does count as income for marketplace coverage and will need to be reported for marketplace plans and subsidies. The $600 per week for up to four months (ending July 31, 2020) does not count toward your income eligibility for OHP/Oregon’s Medicaid program. 

This may also be a good time for you and your family to check to see if you qualify for the Oregon Health Plan (Oregon’s version of Medicaid) or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which you can apply for any time of year. Note that these state-run programs are reporting long wait times due to high demand, but are an excellent way to access affordable coverage. Oregon has waived income verification for new enrollees. Apply today at ONE.Oregon.gov or call 800-699-9075. 

Health care is a human right -- one I’ll be fighting for throughout, and after, this unprecedented chapter ends. As we continue to make our way to the other side of this crisis, I’ll continue to send you updates with information about resources that can help you and your family weather the storm. Know that all of our families and communities are in this together, and that it’s up to each of us to wash our hands, wear masks, and stay home to stop the spread of this virus. Be well and stay safe. 

All my best, 
Jeff