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New carrier partnership provides continuity, stability and expanded health plan options for Oregon employers
Bend, OR—The Bend Chamber of Commerce announced that Moda Health will become the primary medical carrier for the Bend Chamber Association Health Plan, continuing an important group health insurance option for eligible employers across Oregon.
Beginning October 1, 2026, Moda Health will provide medical coverage for new enrollments in the Bend Chamber Association Health Plan. The transition follows Providence Health Plan’s decision to discontinue most of its health insurance operations, including employer group and commercial plans. Providence has stated that current coverage will continue through 2026 as it transitions out of these lines of business.
The Chamber’s partnership with Moda is especially important for Central Oregon employers following recent news that Moda will no longer offer individual health insurance plans in Deschutes County in 2027. That change applies to the individual insurance market and is separate from the employer-sponsored group coverage available through the Bend Chamber Association Health Plan. Moda will continue offering group coverage through the Chamber plan to eligible Oregon employers, including businesses in Central Oregon.
“We recognize that recent changes in Oregon’s health insurance market have created uncertainty for employers and employees alike,” said Sara Odendahl, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. “We want businesses to understand that the recent headlines regarding Moda’s individual plans do not mean Moda is unavailable through the Bend Chamber Association Health Plan. Our partnership with Moda provides employers with a strong group health insurance option and represents an important investment in the long-term stability of this program.”
The transition to Moda follows a comprehensive and competitive review process led by the Bend Chamber Board of Directors, Chamber staff and the Health Insurance Task Force, working closely with benefits partner Alliant/Johnson Benefit Planning. The goal throughout the process was to identify a carrier capable of preserving the value, stability and affordability of the Association Health Plan while providing a sustainable long-term solution for Oregon employers.
Continuity for Participating Employers
Employers currently enrolled in the Bend Chamber Association Health Plan through Providence will transition to Moda based on their existing renewal dates. Groups with October 1, November 1, or December 1, 2026 renewal dates will transition to Moda on those respective dates. Groups with renewal dates from January 1 through September 1, 2027, will transition January 1, 2027.
Groups transitioning to Moda before January 1, 2027, will receive credit for eligible deductible and out-of-pocket maximum amounts accumulated during 2026, helping minimize disruption for employees during the carrier change. Rates will also be guaranteed for 12 months.
“The ability to offer competitive health benefits has a direct impact on an employer’s ability to recruit and retain employees,” Odendahl said. “Maintaining access to a strong Association Health Plan is one of the practical ways the Chamber can help Oregon businesses manage costs, support their workforce and remain competitive.”
Expanded Employer Health Plan Options
In addition to Moda Health, Kaiser Permanente will be available as another medical option for eligible employers within its service area. Employers with 51 or more employees may be able to offer Moda and Kaiser together through a dual-carrier arrangement, while eligible groups with fewer than 51 employees may select either Moda or Kaiser as their medical carrier.
The Bend Chamber Association Health Plan is available to eligible Oregon employers that maintain an active Bend Chamber membership. Employers located outside of Bend may also be members of their local chamber of commerce; however, Bend Chamber membership is required for participation in the plan. The plan currently serves more than 800 employer groups and covers more than 14,000 lives. Eligibility, carrier availability and plan requirements vary based on group size, location and other underwriting requirements.
Employers currently participating in the Association Health Plan will receive additional information from the Bend Chamber and their insurance agent regarding transition timing and available plan options. Businesses interested in joining the plan are encouraged to contact their insurance agent to determine eligibility and compare available coverage.
Learn more about the Bend Chamber Association Health Plan, eligibility requirements and available carrier options at bendchamber.org/resources/chamber-health-insurance.
