SALEM, Ore. — Oregonians shopping for private health insurance have a new place to compare plans and enroll in coverage. The state officially launched Explore Health on November 1, replacing the federal HealthCare.gov platform as Oregon’s marketplace for individual health insurance.
The launch coincides with the start of Open Enrollment for 2027 health coverage. Oregonians who purchase their own insurance can now use Explore Health to compare health and dental plans, determine whether they qualify for financial assistance, and select coverage that fits their needs and budget.
Open Enrollment runs through January 15, 2027.
Explore Health is operated by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and gives the state direct control over the marketplace and the services available to consumers.
“This is an important milestone for Oregon and for the people we serve,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “With Explore Health, people can now shop for coverage through a Marketplace designed and operated here in Oregon.”
What Oregonians Need to Know
People who purchase health insurance on their own can visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to:
- Compare available 2027 health and dental insurance plans.
- Find out whether they qualify for federal financial assistance, including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.
- Enroll in a health insurance plan.
- Get free assistance from trained insurance agents and community organizations.
Oregonians who currently have 2026 coverage through HealthCare.gov are being transitioned to Explore Health for 2027. They do not need to complete an entirely new application.
However, they should claim their new Explore Health account, sign in during Open Enrollment, review their information, compare available plans and financial assistance, and select the coverage that best meets their needs.
People already covered through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), OHP Bridge, Medicare, employer-sponsored insurance or other qualifying coverage generally do not need to enroll through Explore Health.
Oregon Takes Control of Its Health Insurance Marketplace
The transition marks Oregon’s move away from the federally operated HealthCare.gov system and customer service center to a state-based marketplace.
The Oregon Legislature authorized the change in 2023 through Senate Bill 972.
State officials say operating its own marketplace will give Oregon greater control over enrollment technology, improved access to information about the needs of residents, and more flexibility to respond to changes in state and federal health care policies.
The new system also includes an online enrollment platform, a dedicated Consumer Assistance Center, and additional tools for insurance agents and community organizations that help people navigate the enrollment process.
“Launching Explore Health is an important step in Oregon’s commitment to helping people get and stay covered,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, interim director of the Oregon Health Authority.
Free Enrollment Assistance Available
Oregonians do not have to navigate the new system alone. Free assistance is available through certified enrollment specialists at community organizations and licensed insurance agents throughout the state.
Consumers can visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to compare plans, begin enrollment and locate free assistance.
The Explore Health Consumer Assistance Center can also be reached at 855-268-3767. All relay calls are welcome.
Customer service hours during Open Enrollment are:
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time.
Important Enrollment Deadlines
Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027.
People who want their coverage to begin January 1, 2027, should enroll by December 31, 2026.
Those who miss the Open Enrollment deadline generally cannot sign up for private marketplace coverage until the next enrollment period unless they qualify for a special enrollment period.
For more information about Oregon’s new health insurance marketplace, available plans, financial assistance and enrollment assistance, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov.
