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News Release

Livestream Event To Showcase Winners Of Oregon High School Media Contest Focused On Young Worker Safety (Photo) - 05/01/26

The Oregon high school winners of a video and graphic design contest focused on improving young worker safety and health will be announced during a livestream event at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 5.
 

Watch the livestream at https://youngemployeesafety.org/contest/.

 

The 2026 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, called on high school students across Oregon to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that captures the attention of teen workers and convinces them to take the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division’s (Oregon OSHA’s) heat-illness prevention online course. The idea is to show teen workers that the online course is an essential tool they can use to protect themselves from heat-related hazards while on the job – especially when they’re working during the summer months.

 

Participants got to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believed would rivet their audience and prompt it to act. The target audience is teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. To compete, participants submitted either a graphic design or a video that was no more than 90 seconds in length.

 

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

 

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the SHARP Alliance.

 

###

 

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.

 

About the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition: O[yes] is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

 

 

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo,

Livestream Event To Showcase Winners Of Oregon High School Media Contest Focused On Young Worker Safety (Photo) - 05/01/26

The Oregon high school winners of a video and graphic design contest focused on improving young worker safety and health will be announced during a livestream event at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 5.
 

Watch the livestream at https://youngemployeesafety.org/contest/.

 

The 2026 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, called on high school students across Oregon to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that captures the attention of teen workers and convinces them to take the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division’s (Oregon OSHA’s) heat-illness prevention online course. The idea is to show teen workers that the online course is an essential tool they can use to protect themselves from heat-related hazards while on the job – especially when they’re working during the summer months.

 

Participants got to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believed would rivet their audience and prompt it to act. The target audience is teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. To compete, participants submitted either a graphic design or a video that was no more than 90 seconds in length.

 

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

 

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the SHARP Alliance.

 

###

 

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.

 

About the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition: O[yes] is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

 

 

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo,

Pendleton Event To Provide Workplace Safety, Health Education, And Training Opportunities Across Industries (Photo) - 04/30/26

A two-day event in eastern Oregon will put a spotlight on the importance of workplace safety and health, addressing everything from farm machinery safety and prevention of heat illness to proper selection of personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness.

 

The 18th annual Blue Mountain Occupational Safety and Health Conference, to be held June 16-17 at the Pendleton Convention Center, will also feature preconference workshops on key topics and learning sessions in Spanish. Employers are encouraged to take advantage of those Spanish-language sessions by sending staff members who would prefer to gain safety and health knowledge in Spanish.

 

The conference is a collaborative effort by Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) – a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services – SHARP Alliance, and employers and employees in northeast Oregon.

 

On Wednesday, June 17, Luke Betts will deliver the keynote presentation: “You Get More Flies With Honey: The Importance of Recognition.” Betts, senior safety management consultant with SAIF Corporation, will emphasize the importance of cultivating a culture where positive actions are intentionally recognized and reinforced.

 

The workshops on Tuesday, June 16, include such topics as root cause analysis, and best practices for improving safety and health performance. Additionally, Tuesday’s schedule offers sessions in Spanish, including hazard identification in agriculture, machine guarding, incident investigation, and safety committees.

 

Conference topics include:

  • Effective Quarterly Safety Inspections
  • I’m on the Safety Committee, Now What?
  • Nutrition and Wellness in the Workplace
  • Building a Safer Workplace: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessments
  • Training Evolution: Raising the Standard of Incident Command System Training
  • Practical Strategies to Prevent Same-Level Slip, Trip, and Falls
  • Hazard Identification
  • Safety on the Move: Tractors, Equipment, and ATVs
  • The Value of Voluntary Compliance

 

Registration for the preconference workshops on Tuesday, June 16, is $60. Registration for the Spanish-language sessions (lunch included) on Tuesday, June 16, is $60. Registration for the conference on Wednesday, June 17, is $130 (breakfast and lunch included). To register, go to https://safetyseries.cventevents.com/blue26.

 

For more information, contact the Oregon OSHA Conference Section, 503-947-7411, or email Oregon.Conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

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.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, DCBS logo,

Pendleton Event To Provide Workplace Safety, Health Education, And Training Opportunities Across Industries (Photo) - 04/30/26

A two-day event in eastern Oregon will put a spotlight on the importance of workplace safety and health, addressing everything from farm machinery safety and prevention of heat illness to proper selection of personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness.

 

The 18th annual Blue Mountain Occupational Safety and Health Conference, to be held June 16-17 at the Pendleton Convention Center, will also feature preconference workshops on key topics and learning sessions in Spanish. Employers are encouraged to take advantage of those Spanish-language sessions by sending staff members who would prefer to gain safety and health knowledge in Spanish.

 

The conference is a collaborative effort by Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) – a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services – SHARP Alliance, and employers and employees in northeast Oregon.

 

On Wednesday, June 17, Luke Betts will deliver the keynote presentation: “You Get More Flies With Honey: The Importance of Recognition.” Betts, senior safety management consultant with SAIF Corporation, will emphasize the importance of cultivating a culture where positive actions are intentionally recognized and reinforced.

 

The workshops on Tuesday, June 16, include such topics as root cause analysis, and best practices for improving safety and health performance. Additionally, Tuesday’s schedule offers sessions in Spanish, including hazard identification in agriculture, machine guarding, incident investigation, and safety committees.

 

Conference topics include:

  • Effective Quarterly Safety Inspections
  • I’m on the Safety Committee, Now What?
  • Nutrition and Wellness in the Workplace
  • Building a Safer Workplace: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessments
  • Training Evolution: Raising the Standard of Incident Command System Training
  • Practical Strategies to Prevent Same-Level Slip, Trip, and Falls
  • Hazard Identification
  • Safety on the Move: Tractors, Equipment, and ATVs
  • The Value of Voluntary Compliance

 

Registration for the preconference workshops on Tuesday, June 16, is $60. Registration for the Spanish-language sessions (lunch included) on Tuesday, June 16, is $60. Registration for the conference on Wednesday, June 17, is $130 (breakfast and lunch included). To register, go to https://safetyseries.cventevents.com/blue26.

 

For more information, contact the Oregon OSHA Conference Section, 503-947-7411, or email Oregon.Conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

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.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, DCBS logo,

State Orders ClearShare To Cease And Desist Insurance Operations In Oregon; Warns Consumers On Non-ACA Plans (Photo) - 04/27/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued a cease-and-desist order to ClearShare Health and its affiliates after determining that the entities have been operating a program that, based on DFR’s investigation, functions as a business of insurance in Oregon without first obtaining a certificate of authority. The order also alleges they were providing services without first obtaining a third-party administrator license, conduct DFR found to violate the Oregon Insurance Code.

 

ClearShare Health’s affiliates include Clearwater Benefits LLC, Clearwater Benefits Administrators LLC, and Clearwater Benefits Holdings LLC. The division also issued an order against Douglas Sherman, the co-founder of Clearwater Benefits LLC.

 

Under ClearShare’s cost-sharing program, which it refers to as “memberships,” consumers pay a monthly amount into a pool of money that is used to pay out members’ medical costs. According to information reviewed by DFR, which started its investigation in January 2026, ClearShare offers various tier levels consumers can choose that determine what medical expenses may be covered. People with pre-existing conditions or who are older than age 65 typically cannot participate in ClearShare’s program.

 

The order bars ClearShare Health and its affiliates from transacting insurance in Oregon, including but not limited to:

  • Marketing, offering, or selling ClearShare Health memberships to Oregon residents
  • Soliciting, collecting, or receiving any consideration, contribution, fee, or payment from Oregon residents for new ClearShare Health memberships or renewals of existing ClearShare Health memberships
  • Representing that ClearShare Health memberships are not subject to regulation and oversight by DFR

The order allows these entities to continue to administer and pay medical expense submissions arising from ClearShare Health memberships that were in effect as of April 14, 2026, so that affected Oregon consumers can continue to have their medical expense submissions considered under their existing memberships.

 

This action is part of DFR’s ongoing efforts to pursue entities offering health insurance or marketing products that function as health insurance but are not properly licensed. DFR verifies that insurance companies are solvent (can pay their claims, make good on promises, etc.) and comply with Oregon law. ClearShare came under review after receiving multiple consumer complaints.

 

Consumers are often faced with health insurance choices, some of which may not be licensed by the state, or that claim to be in compliance with Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans when in fact they do not offer ACA-level coverage. These unlicensed activities also weaken the licensed, commercial risk pool by removing members from that pool. DFR has previously warned consumers that the ever-changing dynamics of the health insurance market this year has caused a rise in fraudulent activity with a press release in January.

 

DFR reminds consumers as they shop for health insurance to research each plan to make sure it provides the coverages you need, or will need, and that plans are in full compliance with the ACA. DFR’s website has tools to help you check a license, answer questions you may have, and file a complaint. If you need to talk with a health insurance advocate, you can call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@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,

State Orders ClearShare To Cease And Desist Insurance Operations In Oregon; Warns Consumers On Non-ACA Plans (Photo) - 04/27/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued a cease-and-desist order to ClearShare Health and its affiliates after determining that the entities have been operating a program that, based on DFR’s investigation, functions as a business of insurance in Oregon without first obtaining a certificate of authority. The order also alleges they were providing services without first obtaining a third-party administrator license, conduct DFR found to violate the Oregon Insurance Code.

 

ClearShare Health’s affiliates include Clearwater Benefits LLC, Clearwater Benefits Administrators LLC, and Clearwater Benefits Holdings LLC. The division also issued an order against Douglas Sherman, the co-founder of Clearwater Benefits LLC.

 

Under ClearShare’s cost-sharing program, which it refers to as “memberships,” consumers pay a monthly amount into a pool of money that is used to pay out members’ medical costs. According to information reviewed by DFR, which started its investigation in January 2026, ClearShare offers various tier levels consumers can choose that determine what medical expenses may be covered. People with pre-existing conditions or who are older than age 65 typically cannot participate in ClearShare’s program.

 

The order bars ClearShare Health and its affiliates from transacting insurance in Oregon, including but not limited to:

  • Marketing, offering, or selling ClearShare Health memberships to Oregon residents
  • Soliciting, collecting, or receiving any consideration, contribution, fee, or payment from Oregon residents for new ClearShare Health memberships or renewals of existing ClearShare Health memberships
  • Representing that ClearShare Health memberships are not subject to regulation and oversight by DFR

The order allows these entities to continue to administer and pay medical expense submissions arising from ClearShare Health memberships that were in effect as of April 14, 2026, so that affected Oregon consumers can continue to have their medical expense submissions considered under their existing memberships.

 

This action is part of DFR’s ongoing efforts to pursue entities offering health insurance or marketing products that function as health insurance but are not properly licensed. DFR verifies that insurance companies are solvent (can pay their claims, make good on promises, etc.) and comply with Oregon law. ClearShare came under review after receiving multiple consumer complaints.

 

Consumers are often faced with health insurance choices, some of which may not be licensed by the state, or that claim to be in compliance with Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans when in fact they do not offer ACA-level coverage. These unlicensed activities also weaken the licensed, commercial risk pool by removing members from that pool. DFR has previously warned consumers that the ever-changing dynamics of the health insurance market this year has caused a rise in fraudulent activity with a press release in January.

 

DFR reminds consumers as they shop for health insurance to research each plan to make sure it provides the coverages you need, or will need, and that plans are in full compliance with the ACA. DFR’s website has tools to help you check a license, answer questions you may have, and file a complaint. If you need to talk with a health insurance advocate, you can call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@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,

Workers Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Oregon Workers Who Died On The Job In 2025 (Photo) - 04/24/26

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO invite the public to attend the Workers Memorial Day observance on Tuesday, April 28, in Salem. The ceremony will recognize, remember, and honor those who died of work-related injuries and illnesses in 2025.

 

The event will take place at noon at the Fallen Worker Memorial outside the Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter St. NE, on the Capitol Mall. The memorial service, coordinated by Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, will feature remarks from union leaders, safety and health advocates, elected officials, and faith leaders.

 

During the ceremony, the names of Oregon workers who died on the job in the past year will be read aloud. The event will include a reading of Gov. Tina Kotek’s proclamation and remarks by Oregon OSHA Administrator Renée Stapleton and Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor.  

 

Oregon workplaces are safer and healthier today than in previous decades. Yet, there are still too many preventable on-the-job deaths each year.

 

“Oregon’s unions will always stand up against any attack on the safety and health of working people,” Trainor said. “On this solemn day, we honor the workers who did not make it home, and we call for stronger safety protections, real accountability for violators, and dignity on the job.”

 

Through a partnership of government, labor, and business working together to improve workplace safety and health, Oregon’s fatality and injury and illness rates have steadily declined for decades.

 

Nevertheless, the annual Workers Memorial Day observance serves as a reminder to renew our call to protect workers from workplace hazards. Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, employers must maintain safe and healthy workplaces, and workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions. Under the law, employers are required to know the rules that apply to their industry, and they must educate and train their workers. They are also required to comply with specific rules that apply to their workplace.

 

“Workers Memorial Day is not only a time to reflect and remember; it is a time to renew and strengthen our efforts to eliminate the risk of death in the workplace,” Stapleton said. “Going forward, we must revitalize our commitment to ensuring the right of all Oregon workers to on-the-job safety and health.” 


The annual Workers Memorial Day serves as a nationwide day of remembrance. The observance is traditionally held on April 28 because the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on that date in 1970.

Oregon OSHA encourages employers and workers to use its free workplace safety and health resources. Those resources include:

 

Oregon OSHA

 

 

DCBS Multicultural Communications Program

 

 

Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers

 

 

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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.



About Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO: Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of affiliated unions, representing more than 300,000 working Oregonians. Visit https://www.oraflcio.org/.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO,

Workers Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Oregon Workers Who Died On The Job In 2025 (Photo) - 04/24/26

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO invite the public to attend the Workers Memorial Day observance on Tuesday, April 28, in Salem. The ceremony will recognize, remember, and honor those who died of work-related injuries and illnesses in 2025.

 

The event will take place at noon at the Fallen Worker Memorial outside the Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter St. NE, on the Capitol Mall. The memorial service, coordinated by Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, will feature remarks from union leaders, safety and health advocates, elected officials, and faith leaders.

 

During the ceremony, the names of Oregon workers who died on the job in the past year will be read aloud. The event will include a reading of Gov. Tina Kotek’s proclamation and remarks by Oregon OSHA Administrator Renée Stapleton and Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor.  

 

Oregon workplaces are safer and healthier today than in previous decades. Yet, there are still too many preventable on-the-job deaths each year.

 

“Oregon’s unions will always stand up against any attack on the safety and health of working people,” Trainor said. “On this solemn day, we honor the workers who did not make it home, and we call for stronger safety protections, real accountability for violators, and dignity on the job.”

 

Through a partnership of government, labor, and business working together to improve workplace safety and health, Oregon’s fatality and injury and illness rates have steadily declined for decades.

 

Nevertheless, the annual Workers Memorial Day observance serves as a reminder to renew our call to protect workers from workplace hazards. Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, employers must maintain safe and healthy workplaces, and workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions. Under the law, employers are required to know the rules that apply to their industry, and they must educate and train their workers. They are also required to comply with specific rules that apply to their workplace.

 

“Workers Memorial Day is not only a time to reflect and remember; it is a time to renew and strengthen our efforts to eliminate the risk of death in the workplace,” Stapleton said. “Going forward, we must revitalize our commitment to ensuring the right of all Oregon workers to on-the-job safety and health.” 


The annual Workers Memorial Day serves as a nationwide day of remembrance. The observance is traditionally held on April 28 because the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on that date in 1970.

Oregon OSHA encourages employers and workers to use its free workplace safety and health resources. Those resources include:

 

Oregon OSHA

 

 

DCBS Multicultural Communications Program

 

 

Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers

 

 

###

 

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.



About Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO: Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of affiliated unions, representing more than 300,000 working Oregonians. Visit https://www.oraflcio.org/.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO,

New DFR Premium Assistance Program To Assist Affordable Housing And Shelter Providers - 04/15/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is accepting applications for help with the rising costs of insurance premiums for affordable housing providers. The legislature passed Senate Bill 829 in the 2025 legislative session to help mitigate and stabilize insurance costs for affordable housing providers and emergency shelter operators.

 

The program, which was one of Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s priorities in the 2025 session, is being stood up in response to mounting concerns that insurance premiums, both property and liability coverages, are rising to levels that threaten the sustainability and availability of affordable housing and shelter bed access across the state. This program is designed to offset some of those rising insurance costs for shelter sites and those who provide affordable housing.

 

“We cannot afford to lose a single affordable housing unit due to unpredictable costs,” Gov. Kotek said. “Affordable housing providers and shelter operators take on unique risks. These funds will help to protect the progress we’re making on the ground to house and shelter Oregonians.” 

 

The legislature earmarked $2,474,644 for grants to be issued through an application process. The program makes the following entities eligible:

 

  • Shelter provider
  • Affordable housing provider
  • Project Turnkey site
  • Navigation center
  • Local government entity

 

Entities must currently operate in Oregon and provide affordable housing or shelter services to individuals or families earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

 

“This is a positive step to address a large need we see in the insurance market as it relates to affordable housing,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “We look forward to making an impact and stand ready to assist providers and shelters that are struggling to find affordable insurance.”

 

Those interested can find application materials on DFR’s website.

 

Anyone with questions or concerns should email DFR.housingpremiumassistance@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.

 

New DFR Premium Assistance Program To Assist Affordable Housing And Shelter Providers - 04/15/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is accepting applications for help with the rising costs of insurance premiums for affordable housing providers. The legislature passed Senate Bill 829 in the 2025 legislative session to help mitigate and stabilize insurance costs for affordable housing providers and emergency shelter operators.

 

The program, which was one of Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s priorities in the 2025 session, is being stood up in response to mounting concerns that insurance premiums, both property and liability coverages, are rising to levels that threaten the sustainability and availability of affordable housing and shelter bed access across the state. This program is designed to offset some of those rising insurance costs for shelter sites and those who provide affordable housing.

 

“We cannot afford to lose a single affordable housing unit due to unpredictable costs,” Gov. Kotek said. “Affordable housing providers and shelter operators take on unique risks. These funds will help to protect the progress we’re making on the ground to house and shelter Oregonians.” 

 

The legislature earmarked $2,474,644 for grants to be issued through an application process. The program makes the following entities eligible:

 

  • Shelter provider
  • Affordable housing provider
  • Project Turnkey site
  • Navigation center
  • Local government entity

 

Entities must currently operate in Oregon and provide affordable housing or shelter services to individuals or families earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

 

“This is a positive step to address a large need we see in the insurance market as it relates to affordable housing,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “We look forward to making an impact and stand ready to assist providers and shelters that are struggling to find affordable insurance.”

 

Those interested can find application materials on DFR’s website.

 

Anyone with questions or concerns should email DFR.housingpremiumassistance@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.

 

State Places ATRIO Health Plans Under Supervision (Photo) - 04/13/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced today that it has issued an order of supervision to ATRIO Health Plans, Inc., because of concerns over ATRIO’s financial condition. The company has suffered excessive operating losses over the past 12 months. Additionally, the financial condition of the company has created a claims backlog that has caused provider payments to go unpaid. As the solvency regulator, this situation has caused DFR to take this action.

 

As of March 2026, ATRIO enrolled a total of about 35,340 Oregonians in its Medicare Advantage plans. The enrollees are in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

 

An order of supervision allows DFR to have a representative on site and in control of all financial decisions to ensure that consumers are protected. The order prohibits ATRIO and its directors, officers, agents, employees, and others affiliated with the company from taking several actions, including withdrawing from any of ATRIO’s bank accounts; lending or investing any of ATRIO’s funds; transferring any of ATRIO’s property; incurring any debt, obligation, or liability of behalf of ATRIO; merging or consolidating with any other insurer or person; approving any new premium or renewing any policies; terminating, surrendering, forfeiting, converting, or lapsing any insurance policy, certificate, or contract, except for nonpayment; and releasing, paying, or refunding premium deposits, unearned premiums, or other reserves on any insurance policy, certificate, or contract.

 

The supervision order is available here.

 

DFR took this action because of ATRIO’s excessive operating losses, and inadequate capital and surplus. Capital and surplus is the amount a company’s assets exceed its liabilities.

 

Consumers with questions about Medicare can find help from the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or at shiba.oregon.gov. More information can be found on DFR’s website.

 

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been made aware of the order and more information for enrollees may be forthcoming from that federal agency. DFR regulates the financial condition of carriers, while CMS is responsible for operating the Medicare Advantage program.

 

###

 

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,

State Places ATRIO Health Plans Under Supervision (Photo) - 04/13/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced today that it has issued an order of supervision to ATRIO Health Plans, Inc., because of concerns over ATRIO’s financial condition. The company has suffered excessive operating losses over the past 12 months. Additionally, the financial condition of the company has created a claims backlog that has caused provider payments to go unpaid. As the solvency regulator, this situation has caused DFR to take this action.

 

As of March 2026, ATRIO enrolled a total of about 35,340 Oregonians in its Medicare Advantage plans. The enrollees are in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

 

An order of supervision allows DFR to have a representative on site and in control of all financial decisions to ensure that consumers are protected. The order prohibits ATRIO and its directors, officers, agents, employees, and others affiliated with the company from taking several actions, including withdrawing from any of ATRIO’s bank accounts; lending or investing any of ATRIO’s funds; transferring any of ATRIO’s property; incurring any debt, obligation, or liability of behalf of ATRIO; merging or consolidating with any other insurer or person; approving any new premium or renewing any policies; terminating, surrendering, forfeiting, converting, or lapsing any insurance policy, certificate, or contract, except for nonpayment; and releasing, paying, or refunding premium deposits, unearned premiums, or other reserves on any insurance policy, certificate, or contract.

 

The supervision order is available here.

 

DFR took this action because of ATRIO’s excessive operating losses, and inadequate capital and surplus. Capital and surplus is the amount a company’s assets exceed its liabilities.

 

Consumers with questions about Medicare can find help from the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or at shiba.oregon.gov. More information can be found on DFR’s website.

 

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been made aware of the order and more information for enrollees may be forthcoming from that federal agency. DFR regulates the financial condition of carriers, while CMS is responsible for operating the Medicare Advantage program.

 

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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,

Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board To Host Community Forums To Hear How Prescription Drug Prices Affect Oregonians - 04/09/26

Salem – The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is hosting a series of community forums in April and May to hear from people about the high cost of prescription drugs and the effect it has on their lives and budgets.

 

The in-person forums will be held May 5 at the Salem Library, May 6 at the Redmond Library, May 12 at the Asian Health & Service Center in Portland, and May 18 at the Beaverton Library. Online forums are scheduled for April 28, May 11, May 13, and the online board meeting, May 20.

 

“We invite all Oregonians to join us at these forums and share your stories about the cost of your medications and how those costs impact your lives,” said Sarah Young, PDAB executive director. “All forums will have similar content, so choose the best option for your schedule. We would love to have patients, caregivers, and consumers join us to share their experiences. Hearing your stories will help inform the board as it reviews drugs to identify affordability challenges and high out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

 

The board conducts annual drug reviews and presents a list of medications that may create affordability challenges to the Oregon Legislature each year. This year, PDAB will review the following medications to evaluate their affordability and their impact on Oregonians and the state’s health care system:

  • Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Ozempic (Type 2 diabetes)
  • Humulin R U-500 (improve blood sugar control for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day)
  • Keytruda and Verzenio (cancer)
  • Xeljanz (autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
  • Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis)
  • Skyrizi (immune-mediated inflammatory conditions)
  • Tremfya (plaque psoriasis)
  • Xolair (allergic and inflammatory conditions)

The feedback from the community forums will help inform PDAB’s drug review process. Each of the drugs and what they treat can be found on PDAB’s website.

 

The three online forums are:

  • Tuesday, April 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 161 635 9753 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
  • Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 556 2737 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
  • Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 948 4958 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)

The four in-person forums are:

  • Tuesday, May 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Salem at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE
  • Wednesday, May 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Redmond at the Redmond Public Library, 817 SW Deschutes Ave.
  • Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Portland at the Asian Health & Service Center, 9035 SE Foster Road
  • Monday, May 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Beaverton at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW Fifth St.

“We also invite everyone to share online feedback about the prescription drugs the board is reviewing,” Young said. “If you have been prescribed one of the drugs on the list, please answer the questions and submit the form.”

 

The feedback forms are located on the PDAB website and include options for patients, medical experts, safety net clinics, and others.

 

The Oregon Legislature created the board out of Senate Bill 844 in 2021 to protect Oregonians and the Oregon health care system from the high costs of prescription drugs. The board holds monthly online meetings that are open to the public. The board has eight members with backgrounds in clinical medicine or health care economics.

 

For more information, email pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov, call 971-374-3724 or go to dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

 

###

 

About PDAB: The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is in the Division of Financial Regulation, part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The board was established under ORS 646A.693 to protect residents of Oregon, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in Oregon, and others within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs. Visit dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board To Host Community Forums To Hear How Prescription Drug Prices Affect Oregonians - 04/09/26

Salem – The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is hosting a series of community forums in April and May to hear from people about the high cost of prescription drugs and the effect it has on their lives and budgets.

 

The in-person forums will be held May 5 at the Salem Library, May 6 at the Redmond Library, May 12 at the Asian Health & Service Center in Portland, and May 18 at the Beaverton Library. Online forums are scheduled for April 28, May 11, May 13, and the online board meeting, May 20.

 

“We invite all Oregonians to join us at these forums and share your stories about the cost of your medications and how those costs impact your lives,” said Sarah Young, PDAB executive director. “All forums will have similar content, so choose the best option for your schedule. We would love to have patients, caregivers, and consumers join us to share their experiences. Hearing your stories will help inform the board as it reviews drugs to identify affordability challenges and high out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

 

The board conducts annual drug reviews and presents a list of medications that may create affordability challenges to the Oregon Legislature each year. This year, PDAB will review the following medications to evaluate their affordability and their impact on Oregonians and the state’s health care system:

  • Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Ozempic (Type 2 diabetes)
  • Humulin R U-500 (improve blood sugar control for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day)
  • Keytruda and Verzenio (cancer)
  • Xeljanz (autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
  • Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis)
  • Skyrizi (immune-mediated inflammatory conditions)
  • Tremfya (plaque psoriasis)
  • Xolair (allergic and inflammatory conditions)

The feedback from the community forums will help inform PDAB’s drug review process. Each of the drugs and what they treat can be found on PDAB’s website.

 

The three online forums are:

  • Tuesday, April 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 161 635 9753 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
  • Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 556 2737 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
  • Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 948 4958 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)

The four in-person forums are:

  • Tuesday, May 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Salem at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE
  • Wednesday, May 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Redmond at the Redmond Public Library, 817 SW Deschutes Ave.
  • Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Portland at the Asian Health & Service Center, 9035 SE Foster Road
  • Monday, May 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Beaverton at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW Fifth St.

“We also invite everyone to share online feedback about the prescription drugs the board is reviewing,” Young said. “If you have been prescribed one of the drugs on the list, please answer the questions and submit the form.”

 

The feedback forms are located on the PDAB website and include options for patients, medical experts, safety net clinics, and others.

 

The Oregon Legislature created the board out of Senate Bill 844 in 2021 to protect Oregonians and the Oregon health care system from the high costs of prescription drugs. The board holds monthly online meetings that are open to the public. The board has eight members with backgrounds in clinical medicine or health care economics.

 

For more information, email pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov, call 971-374-3724 or go to dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

 

###

 

About PDAB: The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is in the Division of Financial Regulation, part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The board was established under ORS 646A.693 to protect residents of Oregon, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in Oregon, and others within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs. Visit dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.