Oregon Association of Health Underwriters Passes Self-Insurance Bill for Small Businesses


On March 14, 2014 Governor Kitzhaber signed House Bill 4050 into law. Introduced by the Oregon Association for Health Underwriters (OAHU), HB 4050 gives small businesses the option of self-insuring for their health benefits.

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During the 2013 legislative session, a change in Oregon law aimed to prohibit businesses with 50 to 100 employees from purchasing the reinsurance they need to self-insure. A number of businesses of that size have successfully used self-insurance for their health benefits for years. 

Prior to the 2014 session, OAHU introduced these businesses and their health insurance agents to the legislators who represent them in order to help the legislators understand just how important the option of self-insurance is for these companies.

During the 2014 session, Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (D-Portland) led the effort for HB 4050. With help from a number of other legislators, the prohibition on reinsurance for small groups was eliminated altogether. Their success means small groups of any size can now make a business decision about whether self-insurance is in their best interest.

Business owners seeking assistance with their health insurance strategies and purchasing benefit from using a licensed health insurance agent.  Agents can provide the expertise, support and experience needed to navigate through complex decisions related to health insurance and, for small businesses, at no additional cost.  Visit www.agentsaretheanswer.com to find a licensed health insurance agent near you.