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News Release

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.

 

###

 

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.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

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.

 

###

 

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.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

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.

 

###

 

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.

Attached Media Files: Oregon Building Codes Division logo, Todd Smith,

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.

 

###

 

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.

Attached Media Files: Oregon Building Codes Division logo, Todd Smith,

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.

 

###

 

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.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

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.

 

###

 

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.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

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

Salem – A new law going into effect June 5, House Bill (HB) 4116 (2026), closes a loophole that allowed internet lenders to charge interest rates in excess of Oregon’s limit of 36 percent for consumer finance loans.

 

Consumer finance loans are unsecured small dollar loans with a term of 60 days or more. Since 2007, consumer finance loans in Oregon have been limited to a 36 percent interest rate. This limit is intended to protect Oregonians from predatory lending practices.

 

However, in recent years, some lenders have sought to take advantage of a provision in federal law called the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (DIDMCA) enabling state-chartered banks from other states to export their home state’s interest rate to Oregon.

 

By partnering with a bank chartered in a state that allows higher interest rates, some lenders have charged Oregonians interest in some cases in excess of 100 percent APR. Since 2020, DFR found evidence of more than 31,000 loans totaling at least $61 million with interest rates that exceed Oregon’s cap.

 

In a recent enforcement action, DFR was successful in securing a settlement that required a lender to pay restitution of $900,000 for charging interest that exceeded the cap. However, the option to export other states’ interest rates still left Oregon consumers vulnerable to these practices.

 

DIDMCA allows states to opt out of permitting banks chartered in other states from importing another state’s interest rate. HB 4116, signed into law by Gov. Kotek on April 7, exercises Oregon’s opt-out right under federal law. The law also clarifies the applicability of Oregon law to internet-based lending and makes other technical updates. Now, lenders can no longer take advantage of DIDMCA interest rate exportation to evade Oregon’s interest rate caps.

 

Oregon consumers should know that if they are charged interest in excess of 36 percent for a consumer finance loan, it is likely in violation of the law. We would strongly encourage any consumers to contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation for information, assistance, and, if needed, regulatory action to ensure compliance. Our consumer advocates can be reached at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

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.

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

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

Salem – A new law going into effect June 5, House Bill (HB) 4116 (2026), closes a loophole that allowed internet lenders to charge interest rates in excess of Oregon’s limit of 36 percent for consumer finance loans.

 

Consumer finance loans are unsecured small dollar loans with a term of 60 days or more. Since 2007, consumer finance loans in Oregon have been limited to a 36 percent interest rate. This limit is intended to protect Oregonians from predatory lending practices.

 

However, in recent years, some lenders have sought to take advantage of a provision in federal law called the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (DIDMCA) enabling state-chartered banks from other states to export their home state’s interest rate to Oregon.

 

By partnering with a bank chartered in a state that allows higher interest rates, some lenders have charged Oregonians interest in some cases in excess of 100 percent APR. Since 2020, DFR found evidence of more than 31,000 loans totaling at least $61 million with interest rates that exceed Oregon’s cap.

 

In a recent enforcement action, DFR was successful in securing a settlement that required a lender to pay restitution of $900,000 for charging interest that exceeded the cap. However, the option to export other states’ interest rates still left Oregon consumers vulnerable to these practices.

 

DIDMCA allows states to opt out of permitting banks chartered in other states from importing another state’s interest rate. HB 4116, signed into law by Gov. Kotek on April 7, exercises Oregon’s opt-out right under federal law. The law also clarifies the applicability of Oregon law to internet-based lending and makes other technical updates. Now, lenders can no longer take advantage of DIDMCA interest rate exportation to evade Oregon’s interest rate caps.

 

Oregon consumers should know that if they are charged interest in excess of 36 percent for a consumer finance loan, it is likely in violation of the law. We would strongly encourage any consumers to contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation for information, assistance, and, if needed, regulatory action to ensure compliance. Our consumer advocates can be reached at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

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.

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

DFR Health Insurance Rate Review Process To Begin In June (Photo) - 05/19/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) will begin its annual health insurance rate review process in June for the 2027 plan year, with state regulators warning that federal decisions could have a significant effect on what Oregonians pay for coverage next year.

 

Insurance companies submitting proposed 2027 rates are expected to cite several emerging federal factors in their filings.

 

“The loss of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, impact of tariffs, and changing federal guidance have left more Oregonians vulnerable to health care costs generally,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “Oregonians who buy their own coverage or work for small businesses deserve to know about the rate filing process, what’s driving rates to increase or decrease, and how to share their perspective. This level of transparency and accountability is unprecedented for a rate review process, and one we take seriously as a regulator.”

 

The transparent, actuarial-driven process includes publication of planned rates and public hearings on the rate filings for the individual and small group markets. Each year, health insurance companies submit planned rates, which the division then reviews under strict actuarial standards to ensure the rates are sound and insurers remain solvent.

 

The division analyzes the rates to determine whether they are actuarially sound, a process that is a months-long review. Part of the analysis includes reviewing the rates to ensure they are not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, as well as whether the planned administrative expenses are reasonable. DFR does not create or establish rates but rather reviews the rate proposals of insurance companies and ensures that all statutory factors are considered.

 

Oregon also operates a reinsurance program that operates to offset costs in the individual market and reduces rates by 6 percent to 8 percent each year. That program, using a combination of federal and state funds, is particularly effective at offsetting high-dollar claims in the individual market. DFR is pursuing a renewal of this reinsurance program with support from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek.

 

Who this process affects

 

This rate review process applies to Oregonians who purchase health coverage through the health insurance marketplace or directly from an insurance company, and to employees of small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

 

As of December 2025, per DFR’s quarterly enrollment reports, the Oregon individual market covered 148,376 people (3.4 percent of Oregonians), while the small group market covered 137,485 people (3.2 percent). In total, these markets cover 285,861 people (roughly 6.6 percent). It does not affect people covered through Medicare, Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan, or large employer or self-insured plans.

 

DFR’s role in the process

 

Rate review is a technical, actuarially driven process designed to ensure that the rates insurance companies file are supported by relevant data. DFR’s review team examines each insurer filing in detail, scrutinizing projected medical costs, administrative expenses, utilization trends, and reserve adequacy. The question DFR is answering is not simply whether rates are high or low, but whether they accurately reflect the cost of providing coverage to Oregonians while keeping insurers financially stable.

 

DFR has authority under Oregon law to require insurers to justify every component of a rate request. If the division finds that projections are inflated or administrative costs are unreasonable, it will reduce rates accordingly. An insurer’s financial position and market stability are also key considerations that are analyzed throughout the process.

 

DFR has created a website to inform consumers of the process and provide key documents and a space for public comment.

 

What’s likely to drive rate requests this year

 

Historically, insurance companies have cited several factors for explaining the rates they are charging that centered on medical and pharmaceutical costs, utilization, and the existence of federal subsidies. For plan year 2027, Congress not extending the enhanced federal ACA subsidies, the impact of tariffs, and decreased enrollment numbers (shrinking the risk pool) are likely to be factors reflected in insurance companies’ filings. DFR’s actuaries will independently evaluate each of these justifications, rather than accepting them as submitted.

 

Anticipated key dates

  • June 3: Rate filings due from health insurance companies
  • July 13: First public hearing (virtual)
  • July 31: Second public hearing (virtual, if needed)
  • Early August: DFR issues preliminary rate decisions
  • Early September: DFR issues final approval of rates

The June 3 filing date and July 13 public hearing date are set. The remaining dates may change based upon additional federal guidance. Last year, rates were delayed and not finalized until October due to delays from the federal government.

 

Public hearings and comments

 

DFR holds public hearings where insurance companies present their rate requests and respond to questions from DFR staff. The division encourages the public to attend and participate in this process. DFR accepts and reviews all public comments before final decisions are made. A link will be provided on www.oregonhealthrates.org for public comment closer to the hearing.

 

The most useful public input describes specific experiences with coverage, claims, network access, or plan changes. This type of input is context that helps DFR understand how rate decisions affect Oregonians and supplements the actuarial record.

 

The division will record the hearings and place them on the DFR rate review-specific website shortly after their conclusion.

 

DFR has a comprehensive overview of the rate review process, which can be found here.

 

###

 

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.

 

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

DFR Health Insurance Rate Review Process To Begin In June (Photo) - 05/19/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) will begin its annual health insurance rate review process in June for the 2027 plan year, with state regulators warning that federal decisions could have a significant effect on what Oregonians pay for coverage next year.

 

Insurance companies submitting proposed 2027 rates are expected to cite several emerging federal factors in their filings.

 

“The loss of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, impact of tariffs, and changing federal guidance have left more Oregonians vulnerable to health care costs generally,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “Oregonians who buy their own coverage or work for small businesses deserve to know about the rate filing process, what’s driving rates to increase or decrease, and how to share their perspective. This level of transparency and accountability is unprecedented for a rate review process, and one we take seriously as a regulator.”

 

The transparent, actuarial-driven process includes publication of planned rates and public hearings on the rate filings for the individual and small group markets. Each year, health insurance companies submit planned rates, which the division then reviews under strict actuarial standards to ensure the rates are sound and insurers remain solvent.

 

The division analyzes the rates to determine whether they are actuarially sound, a process that is a months-long review. Part of the analysis includes reviewing the rates to ensure they are not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, as well as whether the planned administrative expenses are reasonable. DFR does not create or establish rates but rather reviews the rate proposals of insurance companies and ensures that all statutory factors are considered.

 

Oregon also operates a reinsurance program that operates to offset costs in the individual market and reduces rates by 6 percent to 8 percent each year. That program, using a combination of federal and state funds, is particularly effective at offsetting high-dollar claims in the individual market. DFR is pursuing a renewal of this reinsurance program with support from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek.

 

Who this process affects

 

This rate review process applies to Oregonians who purchase health coverage through the health insurance marketplace or directly from an insurance company, and to employees of small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

 

As of December 2025, per DFR’s quarterly enrollment reports, the Oregon individual market covered 148,376 people (3.4 percent of Oregonians), while the small group market covered 137,485 people (3.2 percent). In total, these markets cover 285,861 people (roughly 6.6 percent). It does not affect people covered through Medicare, Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan, or large employer or self-insured plans.

 

DFR’s role in the process

 

Rate review is a technical, actuarially driven process designed to ensure that the rates insurance companies file are supported by relevant data. DFR’s review team examines each insurer filing in detail, scrutinizing projected medical costs, administrative expenses, utilization trends, and reserve adequacy. The question DFR is answering is not simply whether rates are high or low, but whether they accurately reflect the cost of providing coverage to Oregonians while keeping insurers financially stable.

 

DFR has authority under Oregon law to require insurers to justify every component of a rate request. If the division finds that projections are inflated or administrative costs are unreasonable, it will reduce rates accordingly. An insurer’s financial position and market stability are also key considerations that are analyzed throughout the process.

 

DFR has created a website to inform consumers of the process and provide key documents and a space for public comment.

 

What’s likely to drive rate requests this year

 

Historically, insurance companies have cited several factors for explaining the rates they are charging that centered on medical and pharmaceutical costs, utilization, and the existence of federal subsidies. For plan year 2027, Congress not extending the enhanced federal ACA subsidies, the impact of tariffs, and decreased enrollment numbers (shrinking the risk pool) are likely to be factors reflected in insurance companies’ filings. DFR’s actuaries will independently evaluate each of these justifications, rather than accepting them as submitted.

 

Anticipated key dates

  • June 3: Rate filings due from health insurance companies
  • July 13: First public hearing (virtual)
  • July 31: Second public hearing (virtual, if needed)
  • Early August: DFR issues preliminary rate decisions
  • Early September: DFR issues final approval of rates

The June 3 filing date and July 13 public hearing date are set. The remaining dates may change based upon additional federal guidance. Last year, rates were delayed and not finalized until October due to delays from the federal government.

 

Public hearings and comments

 

DFR holds public hearings where insurance companies present their rate requests and respond to questions from DFR staff. The division encourages the public to attend and participate in this process. DFR accepts and reviews all public comments before final decisions are made. A link will be provided on www.oregonhealthrates.org for public comment closer to the hearing.

 

The most useful public input describes specific experiences with coverage, claims, network access, or plan changes. This type of input is context that helps DFR understand how rate decisions affect Oregonians and supplements the actuarial record.

 

The division will record the hearings and place them on the DFR rate review-specific website shortly after their conclusion.

 

DFR has a comprehensive overview of the rate review process, which can be found here.

 

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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.

 

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,