CHA FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Health Alliance (CHA)?
CHA is a community-based, non-profit health care program. It is not major medical insurance. CHA is a locally designed and operated program that provides affordable employer-sponsored health coverage for the working uninsured. CHA is a “multi-share” health coverage program, meaning that it is made possible by sharing responsibilities and costs between employers, employees and community partners. CHA is a program of Northeast Oregon Network, a local community health non-profit organization that serves Union, Baker and Wallowa counties.
Is it insurance?
Definitely not. The intent of CHA health coverage is to fill the gap for people who can’t afford commercial insurance, and who don’t qualify for publicly funded health care options such as OHP, Medicare or VA benefits. Unlike insurance, CHA is a non-profit program and does not have any deductibles or exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Also unlike insurance, CHA only provides coverage in the tri-county area of Union, Baker and Wallowa counties. Services received outside of Union, Baker and Wallowa counties are not covered by CHA. CHA has a strong focus on wellness and prevention care, and is able to utilize a mix of community resources, prevention services and education to improve the health and wellness of members.
Who is eligible?
Employers and employees must meet the following requirements to be eligible to participate in Community Health Alliance:
- Business employs 50 employees or fewer (sole proprietors and dependants may participate by paying both employer and employee shares)
- Business is located in Union, Baker or Wallowa County
- Eligible employees of the business meet wage guidelines
- Business does not offer employer-sponsored health insurance to employees
- Member resides or works within the Baker, Union or Wallowa County
- Member does not qualify for publicly funded health care such as OHP, Medicare or VA benefits
- Member meets personal income requirements
What is covered?
Benefits include doctor visits, mental health, lab tests, emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital visits, prescriptions and more. Community Health Alliance only covers services received by contracted providers within Union, Baker or Wallowa counties.
What does it cost?
CHA offers two plan options. Each plan option has the same benefits, but different premiums and co-payments. For an eligible employee of an enrolled business, the employee will pay one share of $70 or $90 per month for their coverage (depending on the plan option they choose), and their employer will pay an equal share.
The first plan option is the Positive Changes Wellness Plan. The Positive Changes Wellness Plan costs $70 per member/per month/per share ($140 per month for business owners and dependants/spouses). The Positive Changes Wellness Plan requires the member to take an active role in living a healthy lifestyle and managing any chronic conditions they may have.
The second plan option is the Standard Option. The Standard Option costs $90 per member/per month/per share ($180 per month for business owners and dependants/spouses). The Standard Option does not have as strong a wellness component as the Positive Changes Wellness Plan.
How is CHA funded?
CHA has a mix of funding sources, including community contributions/donations, private foundation grants, member premium revenue & State grant dollars. We are moving towards sustainability and expect to reach it within 5 years.
How can a health coverage program be non-profit?
Non-profit just means that if our program generates a lot of profit, it won’t go in the pockets of NEON staff. Instead, it will go toward lower program costs for members, adding new services, and improving the health of our community.
What happens in 2014 when the health care reform goes into effect?
Everyone is unsure of that, but we expect the people who are eligible for CHA to still be eligible for CHA, and most people that fall into our income eligibility range will be exempt from the mandate to purchase health insurance through the new exchanges
Should I drop private insurance for CHA?
It depends on your personal health needs. Private insurance with a high deductible functions more like catastrophic coverage, whereas CHA is more geared toward prevention, wellness, and in-county comprehensive health care.