Cover Oregon, the state’s new health insurance marketplace, announced that it is now open for business.
“Our first day was a good day. Thousands of Oregonians can now get health insurance, even if they have a pre-existing health condition or have not been able to afford coverage in the past. Our launch is not only about access to health insurance, it is about better health for Oregonians and Oregon,” said Howard “Rocky” King, Cover Oregon’s executive director.
“While we experienced some bumps, as we knew we would, we had a successful first day and I’m so grateful to our staff and partners for all they’ve done to get us here. Tomorrow will be better than today, and the next day will be better than that. We ask that you have patience as we work hard to fix bugs and update features in what we believe is a top-notch system for Oregonians.”
Cover Oregon announced that 122,000 people had visited the Cover Oregon Website as of 8:00 a.m. on October 2nd. This resulted in more than one million total hits to date. It was estimated that equals nearly 21 % of all the uninsured people in Oregon.
Individuals, families and small businesses can go to CoverOregon.com or call 1-855-CoverOR to find a certified insurance agent or community partner who can help them start signing up for health insurance. Help is free and available in multiple languages, with phone support at the service center Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Once a consumer has gone online, they can browse and compare different plans and estimate the savings they might receive. There are also conversations to follow on Facebook and Twitter. Oregonians can follow or join in by using Twitter hashtag #COgolive.
About Cover Oregon
Cover Oregon is a new online marketplace where Oregonians can choose from different health insurance carriers and plans that fit their needs and budget, and find savings to help pay for coverage.
Cover Oregon provides clear information on a range of insurance plans so individuals, families and small businesses can make side-by-side comparisons and choose the right plan for them. It includes health insurance from both private companies and public medical programs such as Oregon Health Plan and Healthy Kids, for easy, one-stop shopping.
Many people—for example, an individual earning up to $45,900 a year and a family of four earning up to $94,000 a year—will qualify for savings.
Cover Oregon is open for business, and customers can begin working with a certified insurance agent or community partner to get signed up.
To be sure you’re working with a certified agent or partner, visit CoverOregon.com or call 1-855-CoverOR (toll free 1-855-268-3767). Learn more, check eligibility for savings and sign up for updates at CoverOregon.com.