What is Open Enrollment?
Since the Affordable Care Act's passage in 2010, millions of Americans seek health insurance during the annual Open Enrollment Period. This federally mandated period allows individuals to enroll in plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace (healthcare.gov). Unless eligible for a Special Enrollment Period due to a Qualifying Life Event (e.g., job loss, relocation, birth/adoption of a child), enrollment must occur during this time. For plan year 2025, Open Enrollment ran from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025.
PANOW's Role During Open Enrollment
Project Access NOW (PANOW) empowers individuals across Oregon, particularly those who are historically underserved, to access and navigate the complexities of health insurance enrollment. PANOW provides crucial support and guidance during Open Enrollment and throughout the year. Open Enrollment is a peak season for PANOW, especially for its Insurance Enrollment and Payment Support team. PANOW assisters guide individuals through the enrollment process, whether via the Marketplace, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), or PANOW's own programs. For those enrolling in Marketplace plans who struggle with premiums, PANOW screens eligibility for its Payment Support program, which covers full monthly premiums for qualified enrollees.
Open Enrollment 2024-2025 at PANOW
In 2025, 139,688 Oregonians secured health coverage through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, with nearly 80% of those applying for financial assistance receiving it. While slightly lower than 2024 enrollment (145,509), this demonstrates the continued value Oregonians place on quality health coverage. Key PANOW data points from the 2024-2025 Open Enrollment period include:
Many clients expressed their gratitude to Project Access NOW staff after they received assistance. Said one individual, "I entered this phone call scared to death that I wouldn’t qualify for any assistance with healthcare. Max guided me through the entire process, adjusted some of my miscalculations and discovered that I qualified for tax credits and that my daughter qualified for Medicaid. At the end of the phone call, I was crying with relief and so thankful that Max was able to help me."
Project Access NOW staff was also featured on Telemundo Portland during Open Enrollment.
Looking Forward
Even after the Open Enrollment deadline, opportunities for enrollment may still exist. Individuals experiencing Qualifying Life Events may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Additionally, enrolled Tribal members, Alaska Natives, and those with lower incomes can apply for coverage year-round.
For assistance with health insurance enrollment or payment support:
Call/Fax: (503) 345-7031
Email: oea@projectaccessnow.org
