Durham, OR – Oregonians can get health insurance coverage and save money through HealthCare.gov, but they have just five more days to do it.
Sunday, Feb. 15 is the last day to choose or switch a health plan for 2015, and the last chance to get a tax credit to help pay for coverage.
“If you’ve been on the fence, now is the time to go to HealthCare.gov and purchase your coverage,” said Aaron Patnode, executive director of Cover Oregon. “More than 94,000 Oregonians have already chosen their health plans through the marketplace and you can, too. The technology works, and in-person assistance is available to help you navigate it.”
Here’s what to expect at HealthCare.gov:
An online application made up of clear, step-by-step questions
Instant results once you submit your information; you’ll know right away how much you can save on coverage
Dozens of health plans to choose from so you can get the coverage that’s right for you
“Open enrollment is your only opportunity to get health insurance coverage this year,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner Laura Cali. “If you miss the Feb. 15 deadline, you will miss out on the protections health coverage provides. You may also face a tax penalty.”
Anyone who wants expert guidance walking through the application, or sorting through their plan choices, can work with an insurance agent or a community partner, or come to an Enrollment Open House. The service is free, and can help people get their enrollment done by the Feb. 15 deadline.
Community partners and agents are listed at http://www.coveroregon.com/find-assistance. Drop-in enrollment events in the Portland area are scheduled each day, through the deadline:
Wed., Feb. 11: Beaverton
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Beaverton City Library, 12375 S.W. Fifth St., Beaverton, OR 97005
Register: http://bit.ly/1tKJ96I
Thurs., Feb. 12: Clackamas
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunnyside Library, 13793 S.E. Sieben Park Way, Clackamas, OR 97015
Register: http://bit.ly/enroll-Clack
Fri., Feb. 13: N.E. Portland
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Lumberyard, 2700 N.E. 82nd Ave., Portland, OR 97220
Register: http://bit.ly/14fAddm
Sat., Feb. 14: N. Portland
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Portland Community College – Cascade Campus, 705 N. Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97217
Register: http://bit.ly/1Kgl7Fv
Sun., Feb. 15: Tigard Area
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cover Oregon HQ, 16760 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Rd., Durham, OR 97224
Register: http://bit.ly/1xljltH
The Feb. 15 deadline does not apply to the Oregon Health Plan, which accepts applications year round.
