Umatilla County to see fewer health insurance choices

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) - Umatilla County residents can expect fewer choices in health insurance carriers and higher premiums in 2017.

Four of the seven companies that offered individual coverage to Umatilla County residents this year announced they are pulling out of the county next year due to insufficient payments to cover the losses from high-risk customers.

HealthNet, Bridgspan and Moda will continue to offer individual coverage plans on the health insurance marketplace next year, though HealthNet customers will not be eligible for tax credits to offset their premium costs.

In addition to fewer choices, Umatilla County residents are facing large premium increases. Depending on variables, some Moda customers would see premiums rise 32 percent in 2017. Similar Bridgespan premiums could go up 23 percent.