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Fewer Oregonians Are Seeking Health Coverage as Rising Premiums Push Many to Delay or Skip Enrollment Top Stories By Lucille McNamara On Jan 30, 2026 Kaiser Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon | Credit: M.O. Stevens There have been 21,316 fewer applications for medical coverage through the *Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM) this year, a decline that comes as health care costs continue to outpace modest cost-of-living gains. Tidings Data Snapshot OHIM Enrollment 2026 Snapshot 118,372 Total OHIM applications for 2026 coverage 21,316 Fewer applications than 2025 15% Drop versus 2025 ~60% Share expected to receive financial help in 2026 Source: Oregon Health Authority / Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment update for 2026 Dailytidings.com However, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the 118,372 total number of applications indicates that residents of the state continue to value quality healthcare. There Was a 15% Drop in the Number of Applications for Cover The 15% drop in applications compared to 2025 can be attributed to fewer subsidies and increased premiums, a combination that impacts middle-income groups and is a knock-out blow to many lower-income families who do not receive Medicaid or Medicare. Furthermore, while 60% of those who enrolled with OHIM this year will receive financial assistance, this nevertheless represents a 20% decline compared to 2025. The enrollment patterns highlight the growing challenge of expired federal premium tax credits, which resulted in higher premiums for many consumers. Many Opted to Forgo Coverage Middle-income households no longer qualify for the same level of financial support, and increased premiums led many individuals or families to delay enrollment or forgo coverage altogether. Particularly hard-hit were people who are 200% – 400% of the federal poverty level, as monthly premiums skyrocketed by $90 – $165. “Many people faced difficult choices about affordability,” says the director of OHIM, Chiqui Flowers. Health insurance premiums in Oregon were set to increase by a weighted average of 9.7% in the individual market, with plan increases from 3.9% to 12.9%. Tidings Data Snapshot Oregon Individual Market Rate Changes 2026 Highest approved average: 12.9% Weighted statewide average: 9.7% Lowest approved average: 3.9% Source: Oregon Division of Financial Regulation / approved 2026 individual market rate changes Dailytidings.com The hikes have been driven by rising healthcare costs and the expiration of federal subsidies OHIM is encouraging individuals who secured coverage for 2026 to: Pay the first month’s premium to ensure that health coverage is fully activated Review their health plan’s provider network to confirm that preferred doctors and clinics are covered – alternatively, that their insurance company can help identify nearby providers accepting new patients Schedule no-cost preventive services, such as annual checkups, vaccinations, and recommended screenings; and Explore available benefits, including mental health services, reproductive health care, and prescription drug savings. Coverage May Still Be Available to Those Who Missed the Enrollment Deadline Coverage options may still be available to those who missed the January 15 Open Enrollment deadline . Trigger What it can do Loss of other coverage Opens a special enrollment period Move to a new area Lets you pick plans available in the new location Marriage Opens plan selection Birth or adoption Adds dependents and can change plan options Change in citizenship or immigration status May open marketplace eligibility Release from incarceration Opens a special enrollment period The concession applies to individuals who moved residence, adopted a child, married, changed citizenship or immigration status, or were released from incarceration. Enrolled Tribal members, Alaska Natives, and individuals with lower incomes can apply for health coverage year-round. *Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is a state-based one-stop resource for residents to shop, compare, and enroll in private health insurance plans. It also provides financial assistance – premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions – to lower monthly costs. Share Twitter Facebook ReddIt WhatsApp Pinterest Email