Special Enrollment Period Open For Innovative Partners, American Collective Health Plan Members (Photo) - 06/24/26

Salem – HealthCare.gov has opened a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for people who were enrolled in an Innovative Partners or American Collective health plan at any time during 2026, even if the plan has already been canceled.

The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Innovative Partners, LP (doing business as Innovative Health Plan and Healthcare Plan) and American Collective, LP (doing business as ACLP Health Plan) for deceptively marketing noncomprehensive medical discount memberships and limited benefit plans as comprehensive insurance or preferred provider organization (PPO).

The SEP started June 11, 2026, and runs through Aug. 10, 2026. The SEP allows affected individuals and families to transition into comprehensive Marketplace coverage. They can find coverage by visiting HealthCare.gov.

If you have issues getting new health insurance, call HealthCare.gov at 800-318-2596 (toll-free) and tell them you are an Innovative Partners or American Collective customer and seeking new coverage. Your Marketplace coverage will generally begin on the first day of the month after you select a plan. To activate your coverage, you must pay your first premium.

You could qualify for an earlier effective date for your Marketplace plan; however, you would need to pay your first month’s premium and premiums for previous months for coverage to start.

The court has appointed a receiver in the case – Paul Lopez from Tripp Scott. The Innovative Receiver website has more information, including consumer victim forms and updates. People can also email innovativereceiver@trippscott.com.

It is important to visit HealthCare.gov or work with an Oregon licensed agent in obtaining coverage. Get free local help from a licensed Oregon insurance agent who can help you understand your options and enroll in coverage by visiting OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp. Put in your ZIP code and click Marketplace (HealthCare.gov). Agents will have an “A” next to their name. There is also assistance available from community partners.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Save The Date: March 1-4, 2027, For The Oregon GOSH Conference, The Pacific Northwest’s Largest Workplace Safety And Health Conference (Photo) - 06/23/26

With more than 160 workshops and sessions, the Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH) Conference will be held March 1-4, 2027, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The event provides knowledge, training, and tools across industries to strengthen protection of workers from hazards and to drive down business costs.

The event is the largest workplace health and safety conference in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest in the United States. It welcomes everyone from safety committee members and line supervisors to health and safety professionals, and labor and business leaders. It connects people, invites sponsorships, and creates space for exhibitors. The goal is to equip attendees with knowledge and skills so they can build strong workplace safety and health programs.

Registration for the conference is expected to open in early 2027, but you can participate in, and support, the GOSH Conference now. Nominations are being accepted for the 2027 GOSH Awards. The awards will honor organizations and people who make exceptional contributions to workplace safety and health. Award nominations are due Oct. 12, 2026.

You can also learn about the event’s keynote speaker, Hoan Do, an international presenter, author, and finalist on NBC’s hit show “American Ninja Warrior.” Do will deliver a high-energy, insight-filled presentation focused on turning obstacles into opportunities. Attendees will learn how to reframe setbacks, stack the odds in their favor, and continuously improve, both as individuals and as teams.

Learn more about Do by visiting the GOSH website’s keynote speaker page.

Sponsorship opportunities to support the 2027 GOSH Conference are available, too. And the conference will feature the Columbia Forklift Challenge, which invites trained forklift drivers to compete in an obstacle course to highlight their skills – and the importance of forklift safety.

You can stay updated about the conference – including registration, exhibits, the forklift challenge, and other information – by visiting the event’s website. You can also get connected to GOSH updates by signing up to receive emails.

The conference is a collaborative effort by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), the Columbia-Willamette Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals, and labor and businesses in Oregon and southwest Washington.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

International Not-for-profit Honors Oregon’s Small Business Ombudsman With NextGen Award (Photo) - 06/17/26

Salem – The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) has recognized Oregon Small Business Ombudsman Caitlin Breitbach as one of seven recipients of its 2026 NextGen Awards.

IAIABC is a not-for-profit association representing government agencies charged with the administration of workers’ compensation systems, as well as other industry professionals working in the private sector. The association presents the NextGen Awards to recognize talented and transformative professionals under the age of 40.

“These young leaders, the 10th class of NextGen winners since we started the program, are transforming the workers’ compensation space every day,” said Heather Lore, the association’s executive director.

Breitbach and her fellow NextGen Award recipients will be celebrated at the IAIABC 112th Convention, to be held Sept. 28-30 in Spokane, Washington.

Breitbach heads the Office of the Small Business Ombudsman for Workers’ Compensation, which serves as an independent advocate for workers’ compensation questions, complaints, and disputes. The office also helps small businesses by explaining workers’ compensation insurance coverage requirements, providing advice on how to shop for insurance, and helping businesses that are in dispute with their insurance company. She has served in this role since 2024.

“I'm incredibly honored to be included in such a distinguished and talented group of workers’ compensation professionals,” Breitbach said. “I’m happy to play my part in helping Oregon small businesses so they don’t have to navigate the often-confusing workers’ compensation system alone.”

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About Oregon DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The department administers state laws and rules to protect consumers and workers in the areas of workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, financial services, insurance, and building codes. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

Special Enrollment Period Open For ClearShare Health Members (Photo) - 06/16/26

June 15 Is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Photo) - 06/12/26

Salem – In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) urges Oregonians to watch for signs of elder financial exploitation. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization launched recognition of the day in 2006 to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect, including financial abuse, of older people.

While anyone can fall victim to financial scams, older adults are disproportionately targeted, especially those who live alone or are socially isolated. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, social isolation, loneliness, and declining health can increase vulnerability to exploitation.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that approximately 11 percent of people age 60 and older have experienced elder abuse. The NCOA says financial abuse estimates are about $28.3 billion in losses each year for older Americans.

“Financial exploitation is a devastating crime, and the number of cases continues to rise. The scams are incredibly sophisticated and ever evolving. With the number of devices and platforms at our fingertips, the opportunities for fraud are endless,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “We must stay connected to our loved ones. We must remain vigilant to the most recent common scams that are perpetrated through crypto kiosks and gift cards,” said Keen.

Elder financial abuse can be subtle and difficult to detect. Watch for these warning signs:

• A new and overly protective friend or caregiver, especially if the senior considers surrendering financial control to the person.
• Fear of someone or a sudden change in feelings about them.
• A lack of knowledge about financial status or reluctance to discuss financial matters.
• Sudden or unexplained changes in spending habits, banking activity, or estate planning documents.
• Unexplained checks made out to cash, unexplained loans, or unexplained disappearance of assets (cash, valuables, securities, etc.).
• Suspicious signatures on checks or other legal documents.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has some tips on how to avoid a scam as well. The FTC also recently produced a short video to help people avoid scams. The site has information on romance scams, tech support scams, unwanted calls and texts, and more.

If you believe someone is being financially abused, call Oregon’s toll-free abuse reporting hotline at 855-503-SAFE (7233). You can also visit DFR’s protect yourself from fraud website for resources to prevent, report, and recover from financial abuse.

Oregon’s Senior Safe Act makes securities industry professionals mandatory reporters for suspected elder financial exploitation. Securities professionals, such as broker-dealers and investment advisors, should use DFR’s file a suspected financial abuse report webpage when they suspect potential financial abuse of an Oregon senior.

DFR’s consumer advocates are always there to help with questions or to file a complaint. You can reach them at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Todd Smith Named Building Codes Division Administrator (Photo) - 06/11/26

Salem – Todd Smith has been chosen as the administrator for the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD), the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced today.

Smith has been serving as the acting administrator for the division, which is part of DCBS, since January 2026. He replaces Alana Cox, who is now the DCBS deputy director.

“I have been impressed with Todd’s leadership and eagerness to dive right into the role. His depth of understanding of the building codes program, leadership skills, and political acumen – as well as his ability to build trust and relationships with the team, local governments, and the construction industry – sets him apart,” said Sean O’Day, DCBS director. “He is just the right person to steward BCD’s modernization and efficiency efforts, advance Gov. Tina Kotek’s priority of housing production, and lead the division into the future.”

Smith started with BCD in 2015 as a policy analyst and then later served as a senior policy advisor. In 2020, he became the interim BCD Enforcement manager. He was then the Policy and Technical Services manager from 2021 until he took on the role of acting administrator.

“I appreciate the trust Director O’Day has for me to fulfill this role,” Smith said. “I look forward to continue working with all of the division’s partners and stakeholders to further our efforts to make sure the buildings in Oregon are safe.”

Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Sonoma State University and a Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law. He is an active member of the Oregon State Bar Association.

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About Oregon BCD: The Building Codes Division administers the statewide building code, which provides uniform standards that ensure newly constructed residential and commercial buildings are safe for people to occupy. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit oregon.gov/bcd and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Each County In Oregon To Have At Least Three Choices In The Individual Market; Reinsurance Program Keeps 2027 Proposed Health Rates Lower Than Anticipated (Photo) - 06/08/26

Salem – Oregon health insurers have submitted proposed 2027 rates for individual and small group plans, launching a monthslong review process that includes public input and meetings.

Health insurance choices for Oregonians remains strong despite broader market changes. Kaiser, Moda, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, and BridgeSpan will offer plans in the individual market for 2027. Three insurers will offer plans statewide (Moda, Bridgespan, and Regence), and Kaiser is offering insurance in 11 counties, giving four options to choose from in various areas around the state. Providence and PacificSource will leave the individual market at the end of the year and did not submit individual rate filings for consideration.

In the individual market, four companies submitted rate-change requests ranging from an average increase of 11.7 percent (BridgeSpan) to 25 percent (Moda), for a weighted average increase of 17.5 percent. That is higher than last year’s average increase of 9.7 percent.

In the small group market, six companies submitted rate-change requests ranging from an average increase of 9.5 percent (Kaiser) to 28.9 percent (UnitedHealthcare), for a weighted average increase of 17 percent. That is higher than last year’s average increase of 11.5 percent.

The Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the market and lower the rate increases. This year the reinsurance program lowered rates by an average of 9.7 percent minimizing price increases felt by consumers. Reinsurance lowered rates for the ninth-straight year. Oregon has resubmitted a renewal request to the federal government to maintain this program. The Oregon Legislature adopted Gov. Kotek’s 2025-27 funding plan, which continued revenue streams that keep the reinsurance program stable.

Refer to the attached chart for the full list of rate-change requests. The requested rates are for plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for small businesses and individuals who buy their own coverage rather than getting it through an employer.

Oregon’s individual and small group markets are under pressure from several directions with respect to the 2027 rate filings. In the individual market, the expiration of the enhanced federal ACA subsidies has priced some Oregonians out of coverage entirely, shrinking the individual market from roughly 161,000 enrollees in 2025 to about 140,000 in 2026. The small group market has gone from about 142,000 to 134,000 enrollees over the same period. This adds uncertainty and risk to insurance companies as they price 2027 benefit year products. Across both markets, filings reflected generalized federal policy uncertainties, tariff effects to pharmaceutical drugs and durable medical equipment, and general inflation – all of which have raised the costs of coverage and caused markets to diminish. DFR will independently analyze and confirm the information submitted by insurance companies related to cost drivers before approving final rates.

“Oregon consumers are facing challenging times with expiring premium tax credits, rising health insurance rates across the country, and two carriers leaving the Oregon market,” said TK Keen, Oregon’s insurance commissioner. “With the losses of Providence and PacificSource in the individual market, there are fewer options, but there are still three options in every Oregon county to choose from, and the Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to stabilize the market and keep rates lower than they would be by almost 10 percent next year.”

A virtual public meeting about the 2027 requested health insurance rates will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 13. A July 31 virtual public meeting is also scheduled, if necessary; however, public comment is encouraged by the July 13 meeting because the second meeting may be canceled. At the meetings, each insurance company will provide a brief presentation about its rate increase requests, answer questions from DFR employees, and hear public comment from Oregonians. Public comment will be accepted now through July 13. A web address to watch the public meetings will be posted at oregonhealthrates.org at a later date.

“We look forward to a thorough and transparent process putting these rate requests through a rigorous public review, and we encourage the public to join the virtual public meeting and provide feedback on their health insurance plans,” Keen said. “This public process not only helps keep insurance companies accountable, but it gives Oregonians the opportunity be part of the process.”

Over the next several months, DFR will analyze the requested rates to ensure they adequately cover, without excessively exceeding, the amount necessary for the insurers’ to pay for plan participants’ healthcare costs. DFR must review and approve rates before they are charged to policyholders.

Final decisions for the 2027 year are anticipated in September.

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About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and dfr.oregon.gov.

New Law Protects Consumers From Predatory High-interest Loans (Photo) - 06/04/26