Health coverage is an important component of a happy life and mental well-being. In turn, employees with affordable health care are more productive and engaged in their work. Prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), nearly 1 in 5 Oregonians lacked health care coverage. Today, 95% of Oregon residents have coverage. Here is how the ACA has impacted Oregon.
The Impact of ACA Oregon
The impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Oregon has been very large and has helped many employees and residents throughout the state.
Because of the ACA and Oregon's health care reforms, Oregon now has:
- Reduced health care costs for state taxpayers
- Improved quality of care
- Thousands of new jobs across Oregon
Overall, the ACA has impacted Oregon in three major ways:
More Oregonians Have Health Care Coverage
Thanks to the ACA, Oregon's uninsured rate dropped. In fact, over 95% of Oregon residents now have coverage, and the uninsured rate dropped from 17 to 5 percent.
Improved Quality of Care and Accessibility to Appropriate Care
Since expanding coverage under the ACA, Oregon was able to launch reforms in healthcare delivery allowing for more access to primary and preventive care.
In the past five years, hospital readmissions among OHP members have been cut by one-third and unneeded emergency room visits dropped 20 percentage points since 2011.
Lower Health Care Costs
Since 2013, Oregon's Medicaid cost increases have been lower than the national average at no more than 3.4% a year. Oregon state and federal taxpayers have saved about $1.3 billion. Learn more here about Oregon Payroll Requirements and Oregon payroll taxes.
The ACA's coverage has also helped hospitals save millions in uncompensated healthcare costs.
ACA Management
Whether you have a small or large business in Oregon, there are requirements that you must comply with. When it comes to ACA management, businesses can get bogged down and risk non-compliance without an ACA Management Solution. To learn more, contact us today or take a look at our ACA management demo video.
Oregon Health Insurance Requirements for Employers
Employers in Oregon must ensure compliance with Oregon Health Care and ACA requirements.
Businesses in Oregon with 50 or more employees must offer employer-sponsored health coverage to their employees that meet the employer-shared responsibility provisions. Some smaller businesses may be eligible for small group coverage, and businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
To learn more about some of the best options for Oregon Group Health Insurance, or to learn more about the Oregon health care coverage options available through GNSA, contact us today.
Those who are already looking to get started can request a quote.
