The State Of Health Insurance In Oregon

The Growing Uninsured Poor Population

While most people in Oregon have health insurance, there's a growing population of those who do not. Many of those people consist of the poor and working poor. According to a 2005 families USA report, more than 550,000 Oregonians have no health insurance.

To meet this demand, low-cost health clinics are being built in many places. However, the demand far outweighs the supply. So, many uninsured go without medical care until their ailments are so bad they end up in an emergency room and need lengthy health care services for which they cannot pay. Others go to free and low-cost health clinics run by churches or volunteers, but these places are so crowded that they often turn many away.

Large providers of health care are realizing the hidden costs of the uninsured and are stepping up to the plate to provide more money to small clinics. They are realizing that it is cheaper to keep people healthy then it is to heal someone after they are seriously ill.

The Oregon Health Plan

The State of Oregon has a managed health plan called the Oregon Health Plan. This managed-care plan is organized by county. Click here to find more information about the Oregon Health Plan. The level of coverage or benefit package that you receive is based on your income, age, and physical or mental condition. For example, eligible pregnant women and children under the age of 19 receive the highest level of coverage.

When you apply, you'll need to have proof of your income, proof of non-citizens status, proof of pregnancy and due dates signed by medical provider, if that is that applicable, and any health insurance information you may have. Also, if you're a student, you'll need to provide a copy of your student aid report showing your estimated family contribution and your Pell eligibility status.

Healthy Living

The State of Oregon also has some good resources for healthy living. Links include resources for addiction, disease management and prevention, early childhood care, nutrition and exercise, and General Preventative maintenance programs.