Oregon will transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace beginning November 1, 2026, according to the Oregon Health Authority. The state received conditional approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to launch Explore Health, which will replace the federal HealthCare.gov platform for Oregon residents.
The new marketplace will allow consumers to shop for coverage, determine eligibility for financial assistance, and enroll in plans. The transition gives Oregon greater flexibility to design the marketplace experience around local needs, according to Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.
The development follows direction from the Oregon Legislature through Senate Bill 972, which was enacted in 2023.