OHA: Do Your Homework During Open Enrollment

This is open enrollment season for health care plans.  Amy Coven, with the Oregon Health Authority, said Marketplace health insurance is for people who can't get it elsewhere.

"Open enrollment is for anyone who needs health coverage.  Typically, folks who don't have coverage offered to them through their jobs, or spouse, or parent or guardian's job and are not eligible for a public program like Medicare or Oregon Health Plan."

The website to get started is OregonHealthCare.gov.  Coven said after entering your information, you can window shop and find out how much you can save.

"Last year, we had over 145,000 people enrolled through the marketplace during open enrollment and over 80% of those folks got financial assistance."

Open enrollment continues through January 15th, but for coverage to start January 1st, the deadline to enroll is December 15th.  If you need help understanding the options, Coven says you'll be directed to a local expert for assistance.

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