Losing your job is hard enough, but losing your health insurance at the same time can make things feel even more stressful. If you’ve recently lost your job in Oregon, you might be wondering how to get health insurance quickly so you don’t have to worry about unexpected medical bills. The good news—there are options, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Just see this only once: acting quickly is really important when you lose coverage.
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First, you should know about a special enrollment period. Normally, you’d have to sign up for health insurance during a specific time each year, but losing your job is considered a “qualifying life event.” That means you have 60 days to sign up for a new plan through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.
The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is a place where you can compare different insurance plans and find one that fits your needs and budget. Some people might even qualify for help paying for their monthly premiums. You can apply online, or you can call and talk to someone who will walk you through it step by step.
Another option to consider is Oregon Health Plan (OHP), which is Oregon’s version of Medicaid. Depending on your income and situation after losing your job, you might qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through OHP. You can apply for it at any time of year—not just during that 60-day window.
If you’re looking for something to hold you over for just a short time, you might consider COBRA. This option lets you keep the same health plan you had through your job, but you’ll have to pay the full cost yourself, which can be pretty expensive. Still, it’s something people choose if they’re in the middle of treatment or want to keep things simple for a little while.
Losing your health insurance doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Whether you go through the Marketplace, check your eligibility for OHP, or choose a short-term option like COBRA, there’s something that can help you stay covered. If you’re not sure what to do next, there are trained helpers called “Marketplace assisters” in Oregon who can guide you for free.
The most important thing? Don’t wait. The earlier you start looking at your choices, the better chance you'll have of finding something that works for you.