As ACA open enrollment gets underway, Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation is warning consumers about health plans that label enrollees “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid state consumer-protection rules, as well as “sharing” plans that are not insurance.
In a Nov. 3 news release, the agency said some plans claim to be “self-funded” and refer to members as limited partners or employees to sidestep Oregon regulations. Others share healthcare costs among members but do not qualify as insurance.
Both types may fall short of ACA requirements, and neither provides comprehensive medical coverage, even when marketed that way. Consumers who enroll could be left responsible for unpaid medical bills.
“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen said in the release, adding that consumers should be skeptical of policies that pair unusually low premiums and deductibles with promises of full or unlimited coverage.
The agency directed Oregonians to licensed local agents or Explore Health, the state’s marketplace, for ACA-compliant coverage. Four insurers will offer compliant individual and family plans in Oregon for 2027: BridgeSpan, Kaiser, Moda and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon.
