Health Insurance

Oregon individuals and families need health insurance. Whether you’re a young single or a family of five, Valley Insurance has options for you. We work with several health insurance companies that offer a variety of plans and premiums. Are you losing your employer group coverage? Would you like to know more about health savings account (HSA) plans? Let us explain the difference between individual plans and group coverage, deductibles and coinsurance, tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. We work with Oregon residents every day, helping them navigate the complicated, new world of health insurance.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and You

Recent legislation has made several changes in the health insurance options available to Oregon residents. Under the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), no one can be denied health insurance and there are virtually no waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Depending on your yearly income and the size of your family, you may qualify for tax credits and other financial assistance through HealthCare.gov to reduce your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. The agents at Valley Insurance can guide you through the maze, help you enroll, and recommend plans to fit your specific needs. So before you go uninsured and pay the federal penalty, call us to see what you may qualify for; you may be pleasantly surprised.

Deadlines and Open Enrollment Periods

The health insurance landscape has changed under the ACA. If you are buying individual or family coverage, it is important to pay attention to deadlines and open enrollment periods. To avoid paying the penalty for not having health insurance, you must enroll during the fall open enrollment period, November 1 – January 31. If you do not act by January 31, you will be locked out of coverage until the following January 1. That leaves you and your family open to a serious illness or injury that could cause you significant financial hardship.

The fall open enrollment period is also the time of the year you may change plans. It is always a good idea to review your healthcare needs, re-evaluate your coverage, and update your household income (if you purchased insurance through HealthCare.gov). Valley Insurance can help you do this each fall.

If you are losing your employer group coverage or experience another “life-changing” event, such as a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, you have 60 days to purchase a new health insurance plan, regardless of the time of year. Again, if you don’t act within 60 days, you will be locked out of coverage until next year.

Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from taking care of your health or the health of your family. Contact Valley Insurance today to learn more about your health insurance options.