Oregon Insurance Division

July 3, 2012 -- Oregon has received a nearly $128,000 federal grant to help the referral service 211info expand its counseling to people seeking health care resources. 211info is a nonprofit organization that provides guidance and information about Oregon health and social support services.The Oregon Insurance Division received the consumer assistance grant as part of federal health care reform. It will use the funds to transfer its Oregon Health Connect program to 211info over the next several months.

February 7, 2012 -- In an effort to reach more consumers, the Insurance Division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is developing a series of webinars and virtual town halls that will allow people to learn about key insurance topics from home. “This is an efficient and cost-effective way to reach people who want to learn more about insurance,” Acting Insurance Division Administrator Lou Savage said.

February 2, 2012 -- Health insurance premiums continued to grow in 2011 but at slower rates than in recent years, according to the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) annual report on Health Insurance in Oregon. The 2012 report describes how health insurance is regulated in Oregon and provides detailed information on how Oregon’s seven largest insurers are faring financially. Some highlights:

Oregonians encouraged to report contact with Hole-In-Won.com

January 12, 2012 -- Primary care practices can now charge patients a set fee that is paid regularly, such as monthly, in return for specific health care services. However, doctor offices using this approach must register with the state.

November 23, 2011 -- Oregon voted “no” Tuesday on a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) resolution that recommends changes to how agent commissions are considered in the medical loss ratio provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The medical loss ratio calculation requires that insurance companies spend a certain percentage of premium dollars on medical care versus administrative costs and profit. Companies that fail to do so must provide rebates to their policyholders.