On Tuesday, October 1st, Oregon launches its health insurance exchange program-- a key piece of President Obama's health care overhaul. It's called Cover Oregon.
Michael Cox describes the program in a nutshell:
Cox: "Cover Oregon is an online marketplace where customers can come, shop for health insurance, compare plans side by side, access financial help, and get enrolled in coverage, starting in October."
Cox is a communications specialist with Cover Oregon.
He says their goal is to make the process easy.
Cox: "We're really trying to reach the 400 thousand uninsured Oregonians and those who can't currently afford their plan."
During the first few weeks of October, people who visit the Cover Oregon website will be referred to a network of insurance agents and non-profits to help with the process of finding health coverage. Once a person is enrolled in a plan through Cover Oregon, health insurance kicks in January 1st.