In Oregon, as in many other states, your health insurance options are somewhat dependent on your health status. Even if you are sick, however, the laws protect you in the following ways.

· Coverage under your group health plan (if your employer offers one) cannot be denied or limited, nor can you be required to pay more, than other members of the group, because of your health status. This is called nondiscrimination. (see Group Health Plans)

· All health plans in Oregon must limit exclusion of pre-existing conditions. There are rules about what counts as a pre-existing condition and how long you must wait before a new health plan will begin to pay for care for that condition. Generally, if you join a new plan, your old coverage will be credited toward the pre-existing condition exclusion period, provided you did not have a long break in coverage. (see Group Health Plans for Group Coverage, Individual Health Plans for Individual Coverage)

· When you apply for an individual health insurance policy, insurance companies cannot turn you down, charge you more or impose a pre-existing condition exclusion period because of your genetic information. In addition, insurance companies are not allowed to even ask about your genetic tests or family history when you apply for coverage. (see Individual Health Plans)

· Your health insurance cannot be canceled because you get sick. Most health insurance is guaranteed renewable. (see Individual Health Plans for Individual Coverage, Small Employer or Self-Employed Person for Small Group Coverage)

· If you leave your job, you may be able to remain in your old group health plan for a certain length of time. This is called COBRA continuation coverage or state continuation coverage. It can help when you are between jobs or waiting for a new health plan to cover your pre-existing condition. There are limits on what you can be charged for this coverage. (see Individual Health Plans)

· If you lost your group health plan because of involuntary termination of employment that occurred between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit that can help you pay for your COBRA or state continuation coverage premiums for up to nine months. (see Individual Health Plans)

· If you have had at least 6 months of coverage under a group health plan and then lose it, you are guaranteed the right to buy individual coverage, also known as a portability policy, for yourself and your family. (see Individual Health Plans)

· Portability policy premiums cannot vary because of your health status, though they can vary, within limits, due to age, family composition and the benefits offered. This is called modified community rating. (see Individual Health Plans)

· If you have been denied individual coverage because of your health status, you also can buy individual coverage from the Oregon Medical Insurance Pool (OMIP). In this case you will pay a premium surcharge and may have a pre-existing condition exclusion period. (see Individual Health Plans)

· Individual health insurance policies cannot charge higher premiums due to your health status. Premiums for these policies can vary due to age, family size, and the type of plan you seek. The amount of premium variation based upon age permitted for these policies is greater than for portability policies. (see Individual Health Plans)

· If you are a small employer buying a group health plan, you cannot be turned down because of the health status, age, or any factor that might predict the use of health services of those in your group. This is called guaranteed issue. (see Small Employer or Self-Employed Person)

· If you are a small employer buying a group health plan, you cannot be charged more due to the health status of those in your group. You can, however, be charged higher premiums, within limits, because of the age of those in your group, family composition and geographic area. This is called modified community rating. (see Small Employer or Self-Employed Person)

· As a small employer, you cannot be turned down or charged more because of the genetic information of a member of your group. In addition, insurance companies are not allowed to even ask about genetic tests of family history of people in your group when you apply for coverage. (see Small Employer or Self-Employed Person)

· If you have low or modest household income, you may be eligible for free or subsidized health insurance coverage for yourself or members of your family. The Oregon Medicaid program offers free health coverage for pregnant women, families with children, medically needy, and elderly and disabled individuals. (see Financial Assistance)

· If your children are 18 years old or younger, have limited or no health insurance, are not eligible for Medicare and meet other qualifications they may be able to buy insurance through the Oregon Children’s Health Insurance Program (OR CHIP). (see Financial Assistance)

· If you have low or modest household income, you may be eligible for the Family Health Insurance Assistance Program (FHIAP), which subsidizes health insurance premiums for qualified Oregonians. (see Financial Assistance)

· If you believe you may be at risk for cancer but are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for screening and treatment. The Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Medical Program (BCCP) provides free cancer screening for qualified residents. Some women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through this program may be eligible for medical are through Medicaid. (see Financial Assistance)

· If you have lost your health insurance and are receiving benefits from the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program then you may be eligible for a federal income tax credit to help pay for new health coverage. This credit is called the Health Care Tax Credit (HCTC), and it is equal to 80% of the cost of qualified health coverage, including COBRA. (see Financial Assistance)

· If you are a retiree aged 55-65 and receiving pension benefits from Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), then you may also be eligible for the HCTC. (see Financial Assistance)