A relatively new creation, the Oregon Family Health Insurance Assistance Program (FHIAP) of Oregon was established in 1997 by the state legislature. Its sole purpose is to help low-income families to afford private health insurance. The program is not an entitlement, and the number of assistance recipients can be capped.
Rather than providing government-backed coverage like Medicare, the program offers to either subsidize or pay for part of a member's private health insurance premium. Of the participants who are earning less than 125% of the federal poverty level (FPL), can receive up to a 95% subsidy. FHIAP can only be applied to the monthly premium and does not pay for deductibles or co-pays or any other out-of-pocket costs for the insurance.
Oregon Family Health Insurance Assistance Eligibility
In order to qualify for FHIAP, all applicants must be a US citizen or qualified non-citizen and must reside in Oregon. If an applicant has investments or savings, the combined total must be under $10,000. Applicants must have been uninsured for the six months prior to applying. (Otherwise-qualified applicants who leave the OHP/Medicaid program may still qualify for FHIAP.)
Applicants who are employed and whose employer provides health insurance coverage must enroll in the employer's plan. FHIAP will pay for any part of the premium that the applicant can prove he/she is required to pay. Usually this is an amount deducted from the applicant's paycheck. Unemployed applicants or those whose employers do not provide health care coverage may purchase an individual health insurance policy for any one of FHIAP's certified insurance companies. The company will then bill FHIAP who pays the premium and then bills the member for his or her portion. If you suspect that you might qualify, it's a good idea to contact FHIAP directly for further information.
