It’s going to be a different way to buy insurance. Oregon’s exchange will be a place consumers will have apples-to-apples information about health insurance. Carriers who have met standards established by a citizen board will be allowed to participate.

Oregonians will know exactly what they are buying and information will be accessible in a variety of formats, which may include by phone, website or with an agent’s help.

Individuals

The exchange will be open to all Oregonians who purchase insurance individually on the open market. Financial Aid may be easily available.

Federal premium tax credits and subsidies should be available for people with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level currently ($89,400 for a family of four).

Small Businesses

Coverage through the exchange will be available for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees beginning in 2014. Small businesses should be able to give their employees a set amount of money to buy coverage from the exchange, allowing employers to plan for and manage health care costs while giving employees more choices.

Many people who leave their jobs will have the option to keep their coverage.

***AT THIS TIME THE EXCHANGE IS UNDER REVIEW BY THE SUPREME COURT. ALL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE