Oregon Health Authority outlines plan, timeline and $23.6 million request to launch state-based marketplace

The joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services heard an informational presentation April 16 from Oregon Health Authority officials on implementing a state-based health insurance marketplace and a funding request tied to House Bill 5025.

Claire Pierce Bridal, director of Health Policy and Analytics at the Oregon Health Authority, and Debbie Estabrook, chief information officer for the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Human Services, told the committee the agency intends to launch a state-based marketplace for open enrollment beginning Nov. 1, 2026, and is seeking approval of Policy Option Package 4-24 to fund the effort.

The proposal seeks $23,600,000 in future marketplace assessment revenue and requests 15 additional positions to implement and operate the marketplace, Bridal said. The agency described the request as funding for the technology solution, a customer service center, continued independent quality management and additional staff needed to transition to maintenance and operations.

Bridal said the state-based marketplace would let Oregon customize consumer shopping and enrollment experiences that are not possible through the current federally facilitated platform, healthcare.gov. She said the marketplace office connects Oregonians who do not qualify for employer coverage or another public program to…