Oregon's Health CO-OP reminds Oregonians: Open Enrollment ends March 31

PORTLAND, Ore., March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With less than two months left in the open enrollment period, Oregon's Health CO-OP remains on the front end of providing access to health care designed by Oregonians for Oregonians.

Simple from the start
"Our charge from the beginning has been to keep things simple," says CEO Dr. Ralph Prows. "Simple in the way we explain things, and simple in the way you find what you need. Simple in eliminating co-insurance and the deductible on most outpatient services, with no 'gotchas.' And simple enrollment—literally a four-step, five-minute process on our website, and you're done."

The CO-OP offers a host of individual and family plans with a range of benefits, including no co-insurance, flat copayments, naturopaths as primary care physicians, coverage for phone and email visits and more. Beyond plan types, the CO-OP—a non-profit health insurer—is organized and coordinated by and around members.

"We're not driven by quarterly profits, nor do we make decisions in boardrooms across the country," says Dr. Prows. "We're right here in Oregon, and our commitment to better health insurance gives members the opportunity to steer the organization forward."

Members are involved
CO-OP members can participate in the organization in a number of ways, from electing the board of directors to running for a seat, serving advisory roles, or providing input into new plans and programs across the state.

"Our charge is to go beyond providing insurance," Dr. Prows says. "We're kick-starting a movement to redefine the relationship people have with their health insurance. We stand for the health of our members, and also for the health of Oregon communities."

How to enroll
To get started, Oregonians simply need to go to http://www.ohcoop.org/enrollment. From there they'll be prompted to choose between Individuals & Families, or Employer & Group plans. A number of plans are eligible for subsidies as defined in the Affordable Healthcare Act, and are included as part of Oregon's Health Care Exchange.

Individuals can also connect with Oregon's Health CO-OP by phone. In the Portland metro area, people can call 503-488-2833. The toll-free number is 1-855-722-8207, and the TTY/TDD 1-800-735-2900 or 711.

Whichever path people choose, they'll have access to plans, support, and information quickly.

"No matter what you shop for, people expect good customer service," Prows says. "This is built into the very foundation of the Health CO-OP. It's important to know that someone is available to help you. We're happy to answer any question."  

SOURCE Oregon’s Health CO-OP