After the debacle of Cover Oregon, Community Health Workers (CHWs) are still helping residents untangle the details of their health insurance. However, there’s good news, said Vixen Radford, a CHW with Northeast Oregon Network (NEON).

Not only are more CHWs being trained to assist Wallowa County residents in navigating their insurance applications, but the process is being simplified over the next few months.

“Hopefully by the next open enrollment period (November 2015), the process will be less confusing,” Radford said.

Open enrollment is for individuals who will have to pay for their insurance. Some Wallowa County residents qualify for free coverage, can enroll at any time, and still haven’t availed themselves of the benefit.

“We still have people who are uninsured and we don’t know why they are uninsured,” Radford said. “Knowing if you qualify for OHP is better than not knowing.”

Many Wallowa County children will qualify for free Oregon Health Plan insurance, through the Healthy Kids program. Income requirements to obtain free health insurance for children stretch from an annual income of $47,997 for a family of two to an income of $97,509 for a family of six.

Adults may also find their income within the qualifying brackets. A couple making $21,707 a year may qualify and adults in a family of six that makes just $44,119 may qualify.

Another problem that CHWs are addressing is the difficulty most face in understanding the plan once a family has been enrolled.

The Oregon Health Plan handbook is 56 pages long, so it’s no surprise that people can’t figure how to use the plan, Radford said. But there’s no need to remain confused.

Wallowa County residents can contact a CHW through many organizations such as Community Connection, Building Healthy Families, Winding Waters, Center for Wellness, Bennett Insurance or NEON. A trained CHW will either help them navigate the thicket of information or refer them to someone who will.

“Community Health Workers look at the whole person or family and then help community members connect with whatever agencies they need,” Radford said.

One bit of information adults and parents with Oregon Health Plan insurance will be pleased to know is that OHP does have a dental plan provider in Wallowa County: Chief Joseph Dental Clinic. For children under 18 years old, OHP covers routine exams, x-rays, cleanings and fluoride treatments every six months and emergency exams and x-rays any time and as many times as needed. Children under 16 are also provided with sealants if needed. Adults on the plan can get routine exams, x-rays, and cleanings once a year and emergency exams and x-rays as needed.

Other benefits may include fillings, root canals, extractions, stainless steel crowns, dentures and more. Prior authorization from OHP may be required for these services.

For those with OHP who would like more information, contact either Advantage Dental at 866-268-9631 or ODS Dental Plan at 800-342-0526. To get assistance in enrolling in OHP, or for more information contact Vixen at 541-398-2539 or email at vradford@neonoregon.org.