Oregon Launches $2.3 Million in Grants to expand Health Insurance Access for Underserved Communities
Salem, OR – October 26, 2023 – The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace today announced $2.3 million in grant funding awarded to 36 community organizations and licensed insurance agents across the state. The initiative, rolling out throughout 2025-27, aims to bolster outreach and enrollment assistance for Oregonians navigating private health insurance options, especially those facing barriers to coverage. This funding comes as Oregon continues to address coverage gaps following the end of the medicaid continuous enrollment period during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grants are a key component of the Marketplace’s strategy to ensure equitable access to health coverage,focusing on populations who don’t qualify for employer-sponsored plans,the Oregon Health plan (Medicaid),or Medicare.The funding will support efforts to help individuals understand their insurance choices, available financial assistance, and transition from the Oregon Health Plan to private coverage, with a critical enrollment period running from November 1st to January 15th each year.
“This support is critical to ensuring all Oregonians – nonetheless of income,location,or language – have access to the coverage and care they need,” said Chiqui Flowers,Director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace,in a press release. Flowers,appointed by Governor Tina Kotek in January 2023,has prioritized expanding access to affordable healthcare throughout the state.Understanding Oregon’s Health Insurance Landscape
Oregon’s health insurance system operates on a mixed model, with a significant portion of the population covered by employer-sponsored insurance, the Oregon Health Plan, and Medicare. However, a substantial number of Oregonians fall into coverage gaps, often due to income fluctuations, employment status, or immigration status. The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, established under the Affordable Care Act, provides a platform for individuals and families to purchase qualified health plans and access premium tax credits to lower monthly costs.
These grants specifically target outreach to these vulnerable populations, with a strong emphasis on culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Many of the grantees offer assistance in multiple languages, recognizing the diverse needs of Oregon’s communities. The Oregon Health Authority estimates that over 150 languages are spoken across the state.
Grant Recipients: A Regional Breakdown
The following organizations and agents will receive funding to provide enrollment assistance:
Community Partner Organizations:
Arcoiris Cultural – Lincoln County (Serving the Latino/Hispanic community)
Asian Health and Service Center – Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties (Focusing on Asian and Pacific Islander communities)
Cascade AIDS Project – Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties (Specializing in HIV/AIDS related healthcare access)
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) – Baker, clackamas, Malheur, Multnomah, and Washington counties (Serving immigrant and refugee populations)
Interface Network – Marion County (Providing support for domestic and sexual violence survivors)
Northeast Oregon Network (NEON) – Baker, Union and Wallowa counties (Addressing healthcare needs in rural Eastern Oregon)
One community Health – Hood River and Wasco counties (Community Health Center serving the Mid-Columbia region)
Oregon L.E.A.D. – Marion, polk and Yamhill counties (Focusing on Latino Empowerment and Progress)
Oregon Latino Health Coalition – clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties (Advocating for Latino health equity)
Project Access NOW – Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties (Connecting individuals to affordable healthcare)
Tayas Yawks – Deschutes, Klamath and Lake counties (Serving the Native American community in Central and Southern Oregon)
Waterfall Clinic Inc. – Coos, Curry and Douglas counties (Providing primary care and enrollment assistance in Southwestern Oregon)
We Care – Benton, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties (offering healthcare access for low-income individuals)
Licensed Insurance Agents:
Aaron Burns Insurance – Eugene
Abel Insurance – Coos bay, Florence, Gold beach and Newport
Bancorp Insurance – La Pine
Boone Insurance Associates – Eugene
Chehalem Insurance – Newberg
Gordon Wood Insurance – Roseburg
Grace Insurance – Portland
HE Cross Company – Portland
Health Plans in Oregon – Beaverton and Portland
Healthwise Insurance – Portland
Healthy, Wealthy & Wise – Tualatin
High Desert Insurance – Bend
Highstreet insurance Services West – Herm
