HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS DEC. 15: IT’S THE ONLY TIME OF YEAR THAT MOST PEOPLE CAN PURCHASE THEIR OWN HEALTH INSURANCE AND IT’S ENDING SOON (PHOTO)

(Salem) – Open enrollment, which began Nov. 1, will end Tuesday, Dec. 15. Oregonians who do not receive health insurance through work, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan will need to sign up for health insurance at HealthCare.gov before Dec. 15 if they want to have coverage in 2021.

Despite the tumultuous nature of this year, Oregonians have enrolled in health insurance at the same levels as this same point last year.

“We’re glad to see Oregonians choosing to stay covered during this pandemic,” said Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “But we know there are thousands more Oregonians out there who could get help paying for health insurance. There is help available for them, but only if they act quickly.”

Consumers can look at plans and find out how much of a subsidy they are eligible for by going to HealthCare.gov.

“You can get help paying for health insurance based on your income,” said Flowers. “Don’t assume you make too much to be eligible.”

Individuals making $51,040 or less per year, and families of four making $104,800 or less, may get help paying for coverage. In 2020, more than seven in 10 Oregonians who chose plans through HealthCare.gov got financial help for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These savings lowered the average premium to just $145 per month.