We have recently completed our 2016 agent certifications for the Oregon and Washington health insurance market places.  The certification includes the Individual Marketplace and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).

For Oregon, the Federally-facilitated marketplace eligibility and enrollment system (healthcare.gov) has been working well for us.  We have completed many successful eligibility determinations and enrollments for the 2015 open enrollment.  We have also processed enrollments during the year for those who have had eligible life events.   

For Washington, the Washington Healthplanfinder web site has also been working well.  This marketplace is a state based system that provides the eligibility determinations, plan comparisons and enrollment services.

Consumers should prepare for open enrollment by estimating their 2016 taxable income and making a list of health needs and provider names.  Contact us when you are ready to review your options and complete enrollment.  

• Health Insurance Marketplace. A resource where individuals, families, and small businesses can: learn about their health coverage options; compare health insurance plans based on costs, benefits, and other important features; choose a plan; and enroll in coverage.  Read more here.
   
• Life Change.  Once you have Marketplace health insurance, you must report changes to your income, household, address, and health coverage eligibility as soon as possible. These updates may change the coverage or savings you're eligible for.   Read more here.
   
• Tax Credit Calculator.  An online tool that allows consumers to calculate an estimated Advanced Premium Tax Credit.  This tax credit can be used to pay a portion of your health insurance premiums.  Check to see if you are eligible for help here. 
   
• We have a glossary of insurance available for you here. 

Individual membership and Billing is available at many insurance carriers.  This can be a convenient way to pay, but consumers should be cautious.  If you change health plans for 2016, then you will want to make sure that your old health plan does not draft January 2016 premiums from your bank account.  Let us know if you need help with this.

Employers may also have online membership & billing options at group medical, dental and other plans.  This access allows you to add and cancel your own employees from the benefit programs.  Let us know if you would like to set up online membership & billing for your group benefit programs. 

There is an increased interest in the online resources and administration for policyholders.  Contact us today if you need help setting up electronic account for access to your health insurance or other insurance programs.             

• Health Republic insurance is leaving the Oregon marketplace December 31, 2015.  Read more here.
   
• LifeWise has a new five minute eligibility and enrollment system for agents for 2016.  This system is expected to tie into the marketplace for tax credit eligibility and allow enrollment.  We will be using this, if it works. 
  
  
• Samaritan Health Plans.  Samaritan Health plan is a new carrier in this area.  They are offering "new statewide plans".  We will watching Samaritan Health Plans for 2016. 
   
• Rate decreases!  We are starting to see more small group health plan rate decreases.  Read more at the Oregon Health Rates web site here.