Federal stimulus help with health insurance costs

June 1, 2010

Congress is debating whether to extend eligibility for federal subsidies that help pay health insurance costs for some people who lose jobs. Meanwhile, as of June 1, 2010, people who are laid off must pay the full cost of the monthly premiums to keep the same health insurance they had when employed.

The information below explains the subsidy program for people who lost their jobs prior to June 1, 2010. If Congress extends the subsidy program, as it has in the past, we will update this information. People who became eligible for subsidies are receiving a 65 percent premium subsidy for as many as 15 months.

If you have questions after you read this information, the Oregon Insurance Division's consumer advocates are here to help! Call 503-947-7984 or toll-free at 1-888-877-4894.

• Overview: Learn how this program works: who qualifies for assistance, how long it lasts and how to sign up.
• Subsidy flyer for employees: Basic information on the subsidy for employees.
  • In Spanish
  • In Russian
• Subsidy flyer for employers: Basic information on the subsidy for employers.
• Ways to keep health insurance flyer: Not everyone qualifies for the federal subsidies. This flyer lists other insurance options for people.
• Questions and Answers for health insurers and producers: How the subsidy works for employees of small businesses (fewer than 20 employees).

News releases:

• 12/23/09: Extended health insurance subsidy will help unemployed Oregonians
• 04/28/09: Governor Kulongoski Signs Legislation to Help Oregonians Pay for Health Care Premiums