Over 118,000 Oregonians Enroll in Marketplace Health Coverage in 2026

Enrollment dips 15% as federal premium tax credits expire, leading to higher costs for many consumers

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:47pm

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During the 2026 Open Enrollment period, 118,372 people in Oregon enrolled in health coverage through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a 15% decrease from the previous year. The expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits resulted in higher costs for many consumers, particularly middle-income households, leading some to delay enrollment, select plans with higher out-of-pocket costs, or forgo coverage altogether.

Why it matters

The Marketplace enrollment data highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring affordable access to quality health care, especially as federal subsidies and tax credits expire. This raises concerns about coverage gaps and health equity, as higher costs may price out lower- and middle-income Oregonians from obtaining necessary medical care.

The details

Nearly 60% of enrollees who applied for financial assistance received help in 2026, compared to 80% in 2025. Individuals with incomes between 200-400% of the Federal Poverty Level saw premium increases of $90-$165. Marketplace enrollment partners reported that increased premiums led some individuals and families to delay enrollment, select plans with higher out-of-pocket costs, or forgo coverage altogether.

  • The 2026 Open Enrollment period ended on January 15, 2026.
  • Enrollment patterns in 2026 showed a 15% decrease compared to the previous year.

The players

Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace

The state-based health insurance exchange that offers private health insurance plans to Oregonians who do not have coverage through their employer, Medicaid or Medicare.

Chiqui Flowers

The director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.

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What they’re saying

“We continue to see how critical financial assistance is in helping people get and stay covered. As enhanced premium tax credits expired, many people in Oregon faced difficult choices about affordability. Even so, thousands took steps to protect their health and financial security by enrolling in coverage.”

— Chiqui Flowers, Director, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace

What’s next

The Marketplace remains focused on closing coverage gaps and advancing health equity by supporting hard-to-reach communities and ensuring each person in Oregon understands their health coverage options. Individuals who missed the Open Enrollment deadline may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to certain life events.

The takeaway

The 2026 enrollment data for the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining affordable access to quality health care, particularly as federal subsidies and tax credits expire. This raises concerns about coverage gaps and health equity, as higher costs may price out lower- and middle-income Oregonians from obtaining necessary medical care.