1332 waiver application for public comment
About the waiver
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services was approved for a State Innovation Waiver from the federal government on Oct. 19, 2017. The waiver, also known as a 1332 waiver, is an opportunity for states to implement unique programs that help increase access to quality, affordable health insurance for their residents. Federal savings from these changes can be used to fund innovation at the state level.
Oregon intends to use the waiver authority to partially fund the Oregon Reinsurance Program. The reinsurance program, created by Oregon House Bill 2391, will reimburse carriers for high claims and will spread the cost of high-risk individuals more broadly among carriers. Oregon expects these steps will cultivate greater certainty in the market, slow the rise of health insurance premiums, and facilitate insurance companies’ continued participation throughout the state in the individual and small-group markets.
Download the final waiver application
Download the actuarial and economic analysis update
Download approval letter and signed STC
Public comments on the application
DCBS held meetings for public comment at 350 Winter St. NE in Salem on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, and at 421 SW Oak St. in Portland on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. The written public comment period ended at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Send requests for more information to 1332.comments@oregon.gov.
The following written comments were submitted electronically to DCBS:
Federal comments on the application
The following written comments were submitted directly to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
For information, visit the CMS Section 1332: State Innovation Waivers website.