Portland Health Insurance & Marketplace Plans

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period for health insurance in Oregon runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. To have your health coverage start on January 1, 2026, you must enroll by December 15, 2025. If you apply between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2026.

If you qualify for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP)—Oregon’s Medicaid program—you can enroll any time of year. In addition, special enrollment periods are available if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event like losing coverage, moving, or having a child.

Use the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace’s free Window Shopping tool to view plans, compare health insurance plans, and explore your options for 2027.

Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65, even if they’re still working. You can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and continues for three months after.

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you’ll typically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. If not, you'll need to apply manually through the Social Security Administration.

If you miss your IEP, you may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period and could face a penalty unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Providence Health Plan and PacificSource announced they are exiting Oregon's individual health insurance market at the end of 2026. Rising healthcare costs, market uncertainty, and changes affecting Affordable Care Act enrollment have created challenges for insurers operating in the individual market. 

For 2027, Portland residents shopping for individual and family health insurance coverage may find plans from Kaiser Permanente, Moda Health, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, and BridgeSpan Health. Plan availability and provider networks vary by carrier. 

OHSU participates in certain health insurance networks available to Portland residents. OHSU has a longstanding relationship with Moda Health and many Portland residents specifically compare plans based on OHSU network access.

Because provider participation can vary by carrier and plan, you should always verify that your preferred OHSU physicians, specialists, and facilities are included before enrolling. 

In many cases, yes. Providence Health Plan is exiting Oregon's individual health insurance market beginning in 2027, but Providence hospitals, clinics, and physician groups throughout Portland will continue operating. The key question is whether your new health insurance plan includes your Providence providers in-network.

Before enrolling in a new plan, you should verify that your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred Providence facilities participate in the carrier's network.

If you currently have Providence Health Plan or PacificSource individual coverage, now is the time to begin preparing for Open Enrollment. Both carriers are exiting Oregon's individual health insurance market for 2027, meaning most members will need to select new coverage.

Start by making a list of your doctors, specialists, hospitals, prescriptions, and ongoing healthcare needs. For many Portland residents, maintaining access to healthcare systems such as OHSU, Providence Health, Legacy Health, and Adventist Health Portland will be an important consideration when selecting a new plan.

Rather than waiting until Open Enrollment, contact Bend Health Insurance for a plan review. We can help you compare available 2027 options, review provider networks, verify physician participation, estimate subsidy eligibility, and determine which plans best fit your healthcare needs and budget.

The earlier you begin reviewing your options, the more time you'll have to make an informed decision and avoid last-minute enrollment challenges.