Healthcare Cost Assistance
Access the care you need to thrive.
Benefit Summary
Carewell SEIU 503 Healthcare Cost Assistance benefits were established to help Oregon homecare and personal support workers afford individual healthcare plans when they could not get coverage through other means such as Oregon Health Plan or via another employer.
This benefit is available to eligible homecare and personal support workers who have Medicare or who enroll in an approved plan through the Federal or a State-based Healthcare Marketplace. The Healthcare Cost Assistance benefit covers up to $6,190 of out-of-pocket expenses for claims covered by Medicare or your approved Marketplace plan in 2020; it also covers 100% of your net monthly premiums for your individual Marketplace plan, or for your Medicare premiums.
Important Things to Know
- This benefit pays your net monthly premium (i.e., your premium after tax credits have been applied) for a qualifying individual plan purchased through the Marketplace or for Medicare. It also covers up to $6,190 in out-of-pocket medical expenses for claims covered by your qualifying individual plan or by Medicare. Carewell SEIU 503 Healthcare Cost Assistance benefits are not employer-sponsored or group coverage.
- To take advantage of this benefit, you will need to enroll into an approved plan on a Healthcare Marketplace or into Medicare. Call us—we’re here to help walk you through the process!
- In most cases, you need to wait until Open Enrollment to enroll. On the Federal Marketplace, Open Enrollment is usually November 1-December 15. There are some exceptions that may qualify you to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Check your Eligibility
To find out your eligibility instantly, answer a few questions on the eligibility questionnaire.
Please read the eligibility requirements below carefully.
Eligibility Requirements
You are likely to be eligible for Healthcare Cost Assistance benefits if you:
Worked 40 or more bargaining unit hours a month for two months in a row. There is then a one month waiting period while your hours are reported to the Benefits Administrative Office.
Turn in your timesheets and/or payroll vouchers on a regular basis
Have your basic demographic information on file with the Benefits Administrative Office. Click here to update your information now.
Have medical coverage through Medicare or through an approved Marketplace plan. See FAQs for more information.
Eligible hours
When we talk about the number of “working hours” you need to be eligible for Carewell benefits, that means the hours paid by DHS and/or PPL on behalf of your consumer.
Losing eligibility
If you go two months in a row without working bargaining unit work (or if zero hours are reported), after a grace period of one month you will no longer be eligible for Healthcare Cost Assistance. To regain eligibility for Carewell SEIU 503 benefits you must complete the steps above.
If you have questions about your eligibility for Healthcare Cost Assistance benefits, please call 1-844-507-7554, option 3, option 2.
For eligible workers with Medicare
Learn more about Healthcare Cost Assistance for eligible workers covered by Medicare.
For eligible workers with approved plans
Learn more about Healthcare Cost Assistance for eligible workers with approved individual health plans on the Healthcare Marketplaces.