Meet some of the Oregonians who have benefited from the ACA
In Oregon, 120,000 children rely on the federal Children's Health Insurance Program to provide health coverage. Congress did not renew funding for the program and Oregon will run out of federal CHIP money in December. Oregon Governor Kate Brown is calling on Congress to renew funding and has asked the Oregon Health Authority to find internal funding to cover children through April. In this video, you will meet a family who benefited from the program.
"Without CHIP we probably would have had to sell our house and declare bankruptcy."
​– Erin Gorry, Simone's mom
Photo credit: CareOregon/Jackson Care Connect.
Kelleni
Struggling with obesity and poor health, Kelleni, her husband, and her son chose to improve their health. Their Oregon Health Plan coverage provided the opportunity to participate in the YMCA's 12 Weeks to a Healthier New You program. ​She lost 115 pounds, her husband lost 40, and her son lost nearly 30. They reduced carbohydrates and added more proteins and vegetables to their diet. They increased their physical activity and the results have reduced their medications.
Read more about her story
"I am living a happier, healthier life because of the Oregon Health Plan's investment in me."
As a health care agent for the Marketplace, Dianne prides herself on helping connect Oregonians with the health care they need.
"This Affordable Care Act has helped so many people.​"
Life had many surprises in store for Ray, one of which was a back injury that has made his health coverage more important than ever.
"The Marketplace has just done wonderful things for me. They've helped me a lot."
Singer-songwriter Bart, who lives in Enterprise, appreciates having health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Last year he had to go to the emergency room for a kidney stone. His health coverage saved him from a huge medical bill.
"I'm super thankful to have it," he said. "I've been way more productive being able to focus on art. I've recorded between 10 and 12 albums this past year and there's no way I could've done anything close to that if I had a full-time job on top of making music. Most artists are happy doing something they love, so if they have their basic needs met, it makes a really big difference."
Like many Americans, Hanna postponed getting health insurance because she felt overwhelmed. After reaching out to Marketplace agents over the phone, Hanna was able to find coverage that fits her budget.
"It's a relief to realize it's affordable. It's not the big, scary bill that I thought it was.​"
Jason is an artist and a single father. He struggled to find health insurance for him and his 8-year-old son after his plan ended. A broker helped him purchase affordable insurance on the open marketplace.
"I no longer have to make the decision: Do I take care of my son or do I take care of me? ​I no longer have to pick."
When Mariam and her family immigrated to the United States, they were surprised by how different the health care system is here compared to their home countries. With the help of agent Jennifer Allen, they were able to find the coverage they need.
"We are grateful to have help being healthy."
​A former employer, Diane was used to paying health insurance premiums for her employees. When her circumstances changed, the Marketplace was there to back her up.
"I could pay for a few doctors visits perhaps, but what if something went wrong with one of my hip replacement?"