Best Health Insurance Agencies in Portland

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  If you're looking for health insurance for yourself or your family, an agent can help you save time, understand your options, and manage your costs. Insurance agents must be licensed in the state where they operate. They can provide information about on- and off-exchange plans to help you weigh all of your options, and they can see if you qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premiums. There's no cost to work with an agent, and they can help you save quite a bit by recommending the best plan for your needs. Here's what you should know before you get started.
  

• How can Portland residents without health insurance between jobs or while waiting for the next open enrollment period get health coverage?

  Portland residents have the option to acquire short-term health coverage to protect themselves during periods of job loss. However, short-term health insurance cannot be a substitute for a Marketplace plan due to its restricted coverage and the possibility of refusing individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Furthermore, individuals may encounter higher copay or co-insurance costs, potentially raising the overall cost of their healthcare and rendering them ineligible for tax credits.

• What is the cost of health insurance through the University of Portland?

  In the 2022-2023 academic year, undergraduate Portland students are required to pay $3,206 for health insurance. It is important to note that students can incorporate the cost of health insurance into their overall cost of attendance. While this adjustment may boost loan eligibility for most students, it will not result in an increase in gift aid. Graduate students should reach out to Student Accounts to inquire about pricing and obtain purchase instructions.

• Do Portland same-sex domestic partners have the right to receive health coverage from employers?

  Yes. On January 1, 2008, Oregon House Bill 2007 came into effect, granting same-sex domestic partners in Portland and throughout Oregon essentially the same legal rights as spouses under state law. Following this, the Oregon Insurance Division construed this legislation to require insurance contracts to provide coverage for same-sex domestic partners registered in the state.

• What are the benefits of individual and family health plans for Portland residents?

  Individual and family health plans offer an affordable means for Portland residents to access high-quality healthcare services. These plans include benefits encompassing doctor consultations, preventive measures, and prescription medications. Furthermore, they help avert the development of severe medical conditions by ensuring access to quality healthcare.

• Do Portland residents who are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid still meet the criteria for a premium tax credit?

  In order to qualify for a premium tax credit, individuals residing in Portland should have an annual income equal to or exceeding 100% of the federal poverty level. These tax credits serve as a valuable means for individuals and families to lower their healthcare insurance expenses. Typically, the government extends these credits to aid individuals and families with modest to moderate incomes in making health insurance coverage more affordable.

• How can you find affordable health insurance? 

  Affordable insurance is available through employers, Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers subsidies in the form of tax credits. You can also purchase coverage through private insurance companies and independent agents. Nearly half of all Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance, and about 10% of the population is uninsured.