COFA Free Health Insurance?
The Compact of Free Association provides COFA FREE health insurance for eligible citizens that live in Oregon from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated State of Micronesia and Republic of Palau. It is available on Healthgov.com and is designed to help protect individuals from the financial risks associated with unexpected medical expenses.
Fill out this form and we’ll help you enroll:
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Who Is Eligible?
You’re eligible if you are:
- A citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Or Republic of Palau who entered the United States under the COFA agreement.
- Oregon resident.
- At least 19 years old or older.
- Not Pregnant.
- Not eligible with other coverage such as OHP, Medicare, VA or Military, or employer coverage or small business coverage.
- Earning less than the amount below:
How can I Apply for COFA FREE Health Insurance?
Call or visit a community partner or health insurance agent such as Health Plans In Oregon. We can explain and assist with you the enrollment.
- – How the COFA Premium Assistance Program works.
- – How to enroll in health insurance.
- What health insurance plan that will work best for you
Why do I have to enroll through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace for an approved health plan?
HealthCare.gov is the technology service provider that will figure out your eligibility for advanced premium tax credits (APTC) and cost-sharing reductions to help lower your monthly premium and co-pays.
Can I sign up for a dental plan and is it also covered by the program?
No. COFA FREE Health Insurance Premium Assistance Program only covers health insurance plans.
What type of health insurance plan can I enroll in?
Health insurance plans in Oregon have four categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. This program pays for a standard silver-level plan only purchased through Health Insurance Marketplace aka HealthCare.gov (make sure to check that your plan is COFA Premium Assistance Program approved).
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- These health plans are full medical coverage which cover visits to the doctor, emergency services, prescriptions, preventative care services (such as mammograms, diabetes, and blood pressure screenings), mental health services and more.
- If you already have providers you would like to keep seeing, make sure they are “in the network” of the health insurance plan you enroll in.
- A community partner or insurance agent can help you choose the best health insurance plan for you.
Will I have to pay for any insurance premium or medical bills?
- The State of Oregon pays your monthly premium and reimburse (payback) you back for all medical bills for accepted in-network services.
- Open all mail from your health plan and your Providers or Doctors. If you get a bill or letter you don’t understand or have any other questions then you can contact your community partner or insurance agent.
- To learn more about reimbursement (paying you back or refund) go to OregonHealthCare.gov, email COFA.Marketplace@oregon.gov or call 1-855-268-3767. If I don’t sign up, will I pay a penalty for not having health insurance?COFA citizens living in the United States may have to pay the penalty. There are some exceptions based on residency or income. For more information, visit HealthCare.gov, IRS.gov or consult a tax professional.
- What are life changes? How do they affect my health insurance? How do I report them? Life changes or life events are things like getting married, having a baby, losing health coverage or having your income change either lower or higher. These might affect your health insurance and COFA premium assistance. If you have a life change, you must do the following:
- Go to HealthCare.gov to report any life changes or contact your health plan agent or community partner that helped you with enrollment.
- Contact the COFA Premium Assistance Program to report the change.Marketplace@oregon.gov or call 1-855-268-3767.
What are the requirements to apply for COFA Free Health Insurance?
You will need to have the following documents and information together to sign up for the Program:
- I-94 number.
- Social Security number or Alien Resident number (Permanent Resident card) if you have one.
- Passport from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia or Republic of Palau.
- Proof of Oregon address (driver license, state ID, etc.).
- Pay stubs or W-2 forms from your job.
- Information about health insurance that you can get through an employer.
- OHP eligibility notice (Form OHA 640F) that shows you do not qualify for OHP+ (full Medicaid).
Do I have to sign up for the Oregon Health Plan Plus (OHP+)?
If you are eligible for Oregon Health Plan Plus, you should enroll in it and keep it. You won’t be able to qualify to COFA Free Health Insurance too. The COFA Premium Assistance Program will not pay your portion of the premium for another health plan.
Why do I have to go to HealthCare.gov to sign up for a plan approved by the program?
HealthCare.gov is the technology service provider of the program that will determine your eligibility for advanced premium tax credits (APTC) and cost-sharing reductions to help lower your monthly premium.
Can I sign up for a dental plan and have it covered by the program?
No. For the plan year 2018, the COFA Premium Assistance Program only covers medical insurance plans.
HERE’S HOW TO APPLY FOR FREE HEALTH INSURANCE ON YOUR OWN:
Contact OregonHealthCare.gov and apply for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
- If you are eligible for OHP+, apply for health coverage through OHP.
- If you are NOT eligible, apply for COFA premium assistance through a community partner or agent near you.
- Your COFA pre-approval letter will come in the mail and tell you about your standard silver-level plan option.
- Enroll on a standard silver plan.
HEALTH INSURANCE TERMS:
Advanced Premium Tax
Credits (APTC):
A premium tax credit will reduce what you pay for health plan premium. When you apply for health insurance, you estimate your expected modified adjusted gross income for the year. If your estimate falls in the range to save, you need to use an advance payment of the premium tax credit to lower your monthly insurance premium. Therefore, it is very important to estimate as accurately as you can. If at the end of the year you’ve taken more premium tax credit in advance than you’re due based on your income, you’ll have to pay back the extra when you file your tax return. If you’ve taken less than you qualify for, you’ll get the difference back and will need to send this difference to the program.
Benefits:
Full medical coverage; health care items and services, such as doctor’s visits, hospital, and prescriptions, covered under a health insurance plan.
Co-insurance:
The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay after you’ve paid your deductible. The COFA Premium Assistance Program will pay you back ore reimburse you for your co-insurance.
Co-payment:
A fixed-amount you pay for a health care service covered by your insurance, for instance, a $10 of ce visit co- pay. The COFA Premium Assistance Program will pay you back for your co-payments.
Deductible:
The amount you pay for covered health care services before your health insurance plan starts to pay. The COFA Premium Assistance Program will pay you back for your deductibles.
Eligible:
Approved to receive health insurance premium assistance.
In-Network Services:
Providers who contract with your health insurance or plan.
Costs:
A fixed dollar amount of money you pay for in-network covered health care services, like deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments. It will pay you back for your in-network out-of-pocket costs that count towards your out-of-pocket limit.
Insurance Carrier:
The companies that provide the health care plans such as Moda, Kaiser, Providence, and Bridgespan.
Monthly Premiums:
The monthly amount paid for your insurance every month. The COFA Premium Assistance Program makes these payments for you. You will still get statements (bills) in the mail and you should keep them for your records.
Finally, Health Plans In Oregon has been helping many COFA members ever since the COFA free health insurance program has started. In addition, we’re a full-service health insurance agency that helps COFA members with the entire enrollment process and beyond. We’re at your service with any health insurance or enrollment questions. Feel free to call: 503-928-6918 or email: diane@healthplansinoregon.com
