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Explore Health will replace HealthCare.gov, improving access to financial assistance and quality health coverage.

SALEM, Ore.--Oregon has received conditional approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to launch Explore Health, Oregon's new health insurance marketplace for people who do not have covereage through their job or a  medical program like the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), Medicare, or Veterans Affairs (VA) programs.

Beginning Nov. 1, 2026, people in Oregon can use Explore Health to shop for health coverage, find out if they qualify for financial assistance and enroll in a Marketplace plan. The launch marks Oregon's transition from a federally managed platform to a state-based marketplace and gives the state greater flexibility to respond to the needs of Oregon consumers and communities.

“This approval is an important step toward improving the shopping and customer service experience for people in Oregon who use the Marketplace," said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “Explore Health will give Oregon the flexibility to design a Marketplace experience around the needs of our diverse communities and respond to local data, feedback, and changes in federal policy."

More information about Explore Health, Open Enrollment and how consumers can get help will be available in the coming weeks at ExploreHealthOR.gov.

About Explore Health

The development of Explore Health follows direction from the Oregon Legislature (Senate Bill 972, 2023) and reflects an opportunity to create a marketplace that is responsive to the needs of Oregon consumers, strengthens the state's approach to connecting people with affordable health coverage, and supports a more coordinated and accessible experience for people seeking coverage.

The transition to Explore Health is informed by the experiences of Oregon consumers, community organizations, health care partners, insurance companies, agents, and partners who understand the state's health coverage landscape. Feedback from these partners has helped shape how the marketplace will be designed, communicated and delivered, with a focus on making the experience as accessible, understandable and useful as possible.

For more information, including opportunities for partners, community organizations and members of the public to provide input, visit orhim.info/sbmtransition.

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Explore Health reemplazará a CuidadoDeSalud.gov, mejorando el acceso a ayuda financiera y a una cobertura de salud de calidad.

​SALEM, Ore.-- Oregon ha recibido la aprobación condicional de los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid (CMS, por sus siglas en inglés) para lanzar Explore Health, el nuevo mercado de seguros médicos de Oregon destinado a personas que no cuentan con cobertura a través de su empleo ni de programas médicos como el Plan de Salud de Oregon (OHP, por sus siglas en inglés), Medicare o los programas del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA, por sus siglas en inglés).

A partir del 1 de noviembre de 2026, los habitantes de Oregon podrán utilizar Explore Health para buscar cobertura de salud, averiguar si reúnen los requisitos para recibir ayuda financiera e inscribirse en un plan del mercado. Este lanzamiento marca la transición de Oregon de una plataforma administrada por el gobierno federal a un mercado estatal, lo que le da al estado una mayor flexibilidad para responder a las necesidades de los consumidores y las comunidades de Oregon.

"Esta aprobación representa un paso importante para mejorar la experiencia de compra y de atención al cliente para los habitantes de Oregon que utilizan el mercado", señaló Chiqui Flowers, directora del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon. "Explore Health le dará a Oregon la flexibilidad necesaria para diseñar una experiencia del mercado basada en las necesidades de nuestras diversas comunidades y para responder a la información local, las opiniones de la comunidad y los cambios en las políticas federales".

En las próximas semanas, se podrá encontrar más información sobre Explore Health, el periodo de inscripción abierta y las opciones de ayuda para los consumidores en el sitio web ExploreHealthOR.gov.​

Acerca de Explore Health

La creación de Explore Health sigue las indicaciones de la Legislatura de Oregon (Proyecto de Ley del Senado 972, de 2023) y representa una oportunidad para crear un mercado que responda a las necesidades de los consumidores de Oregon, fortalezca la manera en que el estado conecta a las personas con una cobertura de salud asequible y facilite una experiencia más coordinada y accesible para quienes buscan seguro médico.

La transición a Explore Health se basa en las experiencias de consumidores de Oregon, organizaciones comunitarias, socios de atención médica, compañías de seguros, agentes y otras entidades que conocen bien el sistema de cobertura de salud del estado. Los comentarios y sugerencias de estos socios han ayudado a definir como se diseñará, comunicará y operará el mercado, con el objetivo de lograr que la experiencia sea lo más accesible, comprensible y útil posible.

Para obtener más información, incluidas las oportunidades para que los socios, organizaciones comunitarias y el público en general aporten sus comentarios, visite orhim.info/sbmtransition.

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The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace announces a new request for proposals (RFP) for a state-based marketplace vendor. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and user experience of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, ensuring that Oregonians have seamless access to affordable, quality health coverage. 

About the project 

Senate Bill 972 (2023) requires the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to transition the Marketplace from a state-based marketplace using the federal platform (SBM-FP) to a SBM using its own technology in time for open enrollment for plan year 2027. Specifically, OHA is required to procure and administer both an information technology platform and call center, to replace the federal platform and call center, and provide electronic access to the health insurance exchange in this state by November 1, 2026. 

​About the RFP 

The RFP invites qualified vendors with a proven track record in developing and managing health insurance marketplaces to submit comprehensive proposals. The ideal vendor will demonstrate expertise in creating user-friendly platforms, integrating advanced technology solutions, and providing robust customer support services. This move is part of Oregon's ongoing commitment to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for all its residents.

The previous request for proposals, released in July 2024, has been cancelled and a new request has been issued.

Interested vendors can access the full RFP document on OregonBuys, the state procurement website. For more information, please visit OregonBuys.gov. 

About the Marketplace 

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov. ​


Announcement

Dec. 10 declared Get Covered Day

Oregon Gov. Brown's letter of request for extension of Open Enrollment 2021

News releases

April 16, 2026 - Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Annual Report Highlights Coverage Trends and Affordability for 2026 | El Reporte Anual del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon Destaca las Tendencias de Cobertura y la Asequibilidad para 2026

Jan. 29, 2026 - More than 118,000 people in Oregon signed up for Marketplace coverage in 2026 | Más de 118,000 Personas en Oregon se Inscribieron para Obtener Cobertura a Través del Mercado de Seguros Médicos en 2026

Jan. 12, 2026 - State Urges People of Oregon to Act Before Open Enrollment Ends and Beware of Health Coverage Scams

Dec. 22, 2025 - Coverage, savings, peace of mind: Oregon encourages health plan enrollment for 2026

Nov. 7, 2025 - Open Enrollment Now Underway: 2026 Marketplace Health Plans Offer Quality Coverage and Financial Assistance

Oct. 15, 2025 - Oregon unveils upgraded health coverage shopping tool ahead of open enrollment

Dec. 2, 2024 - Oregon: Start the New Year with Peace of Mind—Enroll in Private Health Coverage

Nov. 22, 2024 - Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Seeks Proposals for State-Based Marketplace Vendor

Nov. 1, 2024 - Open Enrollment for 2025 Private Health Insurance Now Available

Oct. 16, 2024 - Health coverage comparison tool now provides more ways to compare options, potential savings in Oregon

July 3, 2024 - Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Seeks Proposals for State-Based Marketplace Vendor

April 16, 2024 - Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace reports health coverage gains in report

Jan. 26, 2024 - Open enrollment has ended for 2024 health coverage; Enrollment opportunities still available for high-quality coverage

Jan. 12, 2024 - Don’t miss your chance for health insurance within your budget

Nov. 20, 2023 - A Holiday Reminder: Get You and Your Loved Ones Covered This Open Enrollment

Nov. 1, 2023 - Open enrollment for 2024 private health insurance starts today

Oct. 17, 2023 - 2024 health coverage is more affordable than you might think

Apr. 14, 2023 - Oregonians are maximizing health care savings as shown in new report

Jan. 25, 2023 - Open enrollment has ended for 2023 health coverage: Enrollment options still available for many people

Jan. 3, 2023 - Don’t miss your chance for health insurance with financial help for 2023

Dec. 9, 2022 - Oregon celebrates the 10th open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Nov. 1, 2022 - Enroll now for 2023 health coverage

Oct. 24, 2022 - Prepare now: Health coverage open enrollment begins Nov. 1

Sept. 27, 2022 - $913,000 in grants for nonprofits and insurance agents to help Oregonians with health coverage enrollment

Apr. 15, 2022 - Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace report highlights health coverage gains

Apr. 1, 2022 - New special enrollment period available for people with lower incomes

Jan. 27, 2022 – OregonHealthCare.gov sees highest number of enrollees in year

s

Jan. 27, 2022 – CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov registra el mayor número de afiliados en

año

s

Jan. 10, 2022 – Five days left to enroll in health coverage for 2022, savings still available! Deadline to enroll for 2022 health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov is Jan. 15

o

.

15

Dec. 9, 2021 – La ayuda financiera del Mercado hace que la cobertura de salud sea más asequible para miles de habitantes de Oregón: 15 de diciembre de 2021, fecha mímite para que la cobertura de salud comience el 1 d

e enero

de 202

2

Dec. 9, 2021 – Marketplace financial help makes health coverage more affordable for thousands of Oregonians: Dec. 15, 2021 deadline looming for health coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2022

Nov. 1, 2021 – El Mercado ofrece cobertura médica de calidad y ayuda financiera a miles de habitantes de Oregon: Las personas tienen hasta el 15 de diciembre de 2021 para inscribirse en un seguro médico a partir del 1 de enero de 2022.

Nov. 1, 2021 – Marketplace offers quality health coverage and financial help to thousands of Oregonians: People have until Dec. 15, 2021, to enroll in health insurance starting Jan. 1,

2022

Oct. 25, 2021 – La inscripción abierta para la cobertura de salud 2022 comenzará pronto: Ahorros adicionales disponibles para miles de habitantes de O

re

gó

n

Oct. 25, 2021 – Open enrollment for 2022 health coverage starting soon: Additional savings available to thousands of Oregonia

ns

Sept. 21, 2021 – Open enrollment for 2022 health coverage extended: Nov. 1 to Jan.

15

Sept. 21, 2021 – Se extiende la inscripción abierta para la cobertura médica de 2022: del 1 de noviembre al 15 de enero

Sept. 15, 2021 – American Rescue Plan makes health coverage accessible: Expanded health coverage savings are saving Oregonians thousands o

f dollars

s

Aug. 10, 2021 – Five days remaining to enroll in health coverage for 2021: Nearly 20,000 Oregonians have enrolled in new health coverage

 

since A

p

ril

Aug. 10, 2021 – Quedan cinco días para inscribirse en cobertura de seguro de salud para el 2021: Casi 20.000 oregonianos se han inscrito en una nueva cobertura médica desde abri

l

Aug. 1, 2021 – 15 days remaining to enroll in health coverage for 2021

Aug. 1, 2021 – Quedan 15 días para inscribirse en cobertura de seguro de salud para el 20

21

July 1, 2021 – Many Oregonians can now get health coverage for $1 per

month

July 1, 2021 – Muchos Oregonianos ahora pueden obtener cobertura médica por un dólar a

l m

s

Ma

021 – Thousands of people in Oregon are taking advantage of health coverage savings through the Marketpl

ace

May 11, 2021 – Miles de personas en Oregon están aprovechando de los ahorros para cobertura médica a través del Merc

a

do

April 1, 2021 – Additional savings are available for health coverage: Preview savings at OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop

April 1, 2021 – Ahorros adicionales están disponibles para la cobertura médica: Revise los ahorros en OregonHealthCare.gov/Windo

wS

hop

March 16, 2021 – American Rescue Plan brings additional health coverage savings to Oregonian

s

March 16, 2021 – El Plan de Rescate Americano trae ahorros adicionales para la cobertura médica a los Orego

nia

nos

March 4, 2021 – COVID-19 special enrollment period offers health coverage to eligible Oregonia

n

s

Marc

s

Feb. 15, 2021 – ¿Busca cobertura médica? Hoy comienza el periodo especial de inscripción por COVID-19

Feb. 15, 2021 – Looking for health coverage? COVID-19 special enrollment period starts today

Dec. 21, 2020 – Data shows strong enrollment in health coverage for 2021

Dec. 14, 2020 – Time is almost out to get health coverage fo

r 2021

Dec. 10, 2020 – Oregonians are taking action; don’t miss your chance for health coverage

Dec. 2, 2020 – Oregonians are taking action; don’t miss your chance for health coverage

Nov. 23, 2020 – Include a visit to OregonHealthCare.gov this Thanksgiving holiday | As gatherings go virtual, families and friends can help each other access health insurance

Nov. 19, 2020 – Oregon joins national Get Covered 2021 campaign

Nov. 16, 2020 – Open enrollment is here: have you shopped for health coverage?

Nov. 5, 2020 – More Oregonians eligible for financial assistance to purchase health insurance: People have until Dec. 15 to enroll in health insurance

Oct. 28, 2020 – More Oregonians eligible for financial assistance to purchase health insurance: People have until Dec. 15 to enroll in health insurance

Oct. 15, 2020 – See how much health coverage may cost at OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop

Oct. 15, 2020 – Medicare open enrollment begins today: Changes are coming and help is available

Oct. 1, 2020 – Local help is available from Oregon SHIBA ahead of Medicare open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7

Sept. 16, 2020 – Affected Oregonians may enroll in health coverage due to Oregon wildfires

Sept. 1, 2020 – Uninsured Oregonians may use COVID-19 emergency to enroll in health coverage

July 14, 2020 – $786,500 in grants for nonprofits and insurance agents to help Oregonians with health coverage enrollment

May 7, 2020 – OregonHealthCare.gov offers solution for those who lost health insurance due to COVID-19

March 25, 2020 – Oregon requests federal government open up HealthCare.gov to all Oregonians amid COVID-19 outbreak

Jan. 30, 2020 – Public charge ruling will not affect Oregonians receiving a marketplace health insurance subsidy

Jan. 10, 2020 – Health coverage enrollment stays strong in Oregon

Dec. 9, 2019 – Final week to buy health insurance and qualify for help paying for it

Dec. 5, 2019 – Five tips for the final 10 days to sign up for health insurance

Nov. 26, 2019 – Real health insurance for $1 a month? Subsidies make it possible for thousands through OregonHealthCare.gov

Aug. 14, 2019 – Grant-funded community groups and insurance agents get set to help Oregonians enroll in health coverage

Jan. 3, 2019 – Health coverage enrollment stays strong in Oregon

Dec. 10, 2018 – Final week: The health insurance enrollment deadline is this Saturday

Dec. 5, 2018 – Oregonians who buy their own health insurance must enroll by Dec. 15

Nov. 29, 2018 – Thousands of Oregonians are likely to qualify for help paying for health coverage

Nov. 1, 2018 – Thousands of Oregonians are likely to qualify for help paying for health coverage

Sept. 11, 2018 – Grant-funded community groups and insurance agents get set to help Oregonians enroll in health coverage

July 11, 2018 – Grant program for Oregon community groups helping people enroll in insurance will continue without cuts

Oct. 27, 2017 – Media event: Governor Kate Brown to headline launch event marking open enrollment period for health insurance

Oct. 13, 2017 – State announcement regarding Trump administration discontinuation of cost-sharing reduction payments

Aug. 28, 2017 – Reject any 'cold calls' claiming to be from Oregon SHIBA; imposter phone calls being made in Washington

March 16, 2017 – Report details drastic impact of Republican health care plan on Oregon

Feb. 22, 2017 – Governor Kate Brown unveils new website highlighting impact of Affordable Care Act on Oregon

Jan. 27, 2017 – Oregon to expand open enrollment outreach ahead of Jan. 31 deadline

Dec. 16, 2016 – Extra time to get Jan. 1 health insurance coverage

Dec. 13, 2016 – Enroll now during health insurance open enrollment

Dec. 8, 2016 – Enroll by Dec. 15 to get Jan. 1 health insurance coverage

Nov. 1, 2016 – Health insurance enrollment season opens today

Oct. 4, 2016 – COFA health insurance program open for enrollment

Sept. 26, 2016 – Enrollment deadline approaching for CO-OP members

Sept. 19, 2016 – Record number of Oregonians covered by health insurance, survey finds

Media contacts

Members of the media can contact:

Amy Coven
503-943-0164
amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov