Explore Health Oregon: Free Local Enrollment Help
If you buy your own health insurance, something big changed this year. Starting November 1, 2026, Oregon uses Explore Health (ExploreHealthOR.gov), its own state-run marketplace, instead of HealthCare.gov. It's where you'll apply, check for financial help and choose a 2027 plan.
A new website is a lot to figure out when your coverage is on the line. Bend Health Insurance is a local, independent agency in Redmond. We help people across Oregon, and especially here in Central Oregon, through Explore Health at no cost.
What changed: HealthCare.gov to Explore Health
New website. For 2027 coverage, Oregonians apply and enroll at ExploreHealthOR.gov, not HealthCare.gov.
Same kinds of savings. Depending on your income and household, you may still qualify for premium tax credits that lower your monthly bill, and cost-sharing reductions on eligible Silver plans.
Insurance company changes. PacificSource and Providence won't offer individual plans in Oregon for 2027, and Moda won't in several counties, including Crook and Deschutes. Affected enrollees have been matched with another company's plan, which may not fit your doctors, prescriptions or budget.
What current enrollees need to do
If you had coverage through HealthCare.gov in 2026, the state says you'll receive information from Explore Health about renewing for 2027. Here's what we suggest:
1. Watch for mail or email from Explore Health explaining how to claim your new account.
2. Sign in once Open Enrollment starts November 1. Update your income and household and review your 2027 options.
3. Don't count on automatic renewal. Explore Health may renew you, or move you to a similar plan if yours is ending. That helps avoid a gap, but it may not be the right plan, and an outdated income can change your savings.
4. Call us if anything is unclear. We'll go over the notice with you and handle next steps.
Key 2027 dates
November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage begins on Explore Health
December 31, 2026: Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027
January 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends. Enrolling after December 31 means a later start date
Outside Open Enrollment, you may still be able to enroll if you have a major life change, like losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby.
How we help, free of charge
There's no cost to you for working with us.
Compare plans. We check which 2027 plans include your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions, and what you'd pay in premiums, deductibles and copays.
Tax credits. We help you estimate your 2027 income so your savings are as accurate as possible.
Applications. We work through the Explore Health application with you, including any documents the state requests.
Renewals. If your plan is ending or changing, we review your match and help you choose.
As a licensed agent, Gary Evenvold (Oregon license #2544137) can recommend a plan for your situation, not just explain the options.
How to Add Bend Health Insurance as Your Agent on Explore Health
Choosing us as your agent on Explore Health lets Gary or Corrie see your application and help you with it at no cost to you.
1. Open the Explore Health agent search page using the button below.
2. Find the "Search by Name" box on the right side of the page.
3. In "Company Name," type Bend Health Insurance. You can also search by First Name and Last Name for Gary Evenvold or Corrie Bridges.
4. Click Search. You'll see both of our agents listed at 7555 Falcon Crest Dr., Suite 206, Redmond.
5. Click the name of the agent you'd like to work with (Gary Evenvold or Corrie Bridges) to choose them as your agent.
Prefer we set it up for you? Send us a Request Assistance form or call, and we'll link your account to our office.
Questions or stuck? Call us at (541) 668-5687 and we'll walk you through it.
Your Explore Health Agents
Gary Evenvold
Corrie Bridges
Corrie Bridges
Owner & Licensed Agent, Explore Health Oregon certified
Corrie Bridges
Corrie Bridges
Corrie Bridges
Licensed Agent, Life & Health, Explore Health Oregon certified
Frequently asked questions
Is your help really free?
Yes. You pay nothing to work with us, and your premium is the same as if you enrolled on your own.
I had a plan on HealthCare.gov. Do I have to start over?
The state says current HealthCare.gov enrollees will get renewal information, and you can sign in to Explore Health starting November 1 to update your application. No notice, or can't get in? Call us and we'll sort out the next step.
My plan is with PacificSource, Providence or Moda. What happens to me?
Those plans are ending or leaving some counties for 2027, and the state has matched affected enrollees with another company's plan. We'll check whether your match covers your doctors and medications and compare it with your other choices.
What's the deadline for January 1 coverage?
Enroll by December 31, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. Open Enrollment ends January 15, 2027.
Do you only help people in Central Oregon?
No. We're based in Redmond and work with a lot of people in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, but we help people anywhere in Oregon. Wherever you are in Oregon, call (541) 668-5687.
Get free, local help with Explore Health
Call us Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or send a request any time.
Central Oregon: (541) 668-5687
Office: 7555 Falcon Crest Dr, Suite 206, Redmond, OR 97756
Call us
Phone numbers
Disclaimer
Bend Health Insurance is an independent insurance agency. We are not Explore Health, the Oregon Health Authority or a government agency. Gary Evenvold, Oregon license #2544137.
- Bend Health Insurance
7555 Falcon Crest Dr, Suite 206, Redmond, OR 97756
(541) 668-5687
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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 2 organizations that offer 3 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Bend Health Insurance is an independent insurance agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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