How can I save money if have PERs?
7/31/2026
For Oregon PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) members, the primary way to save money is through the PERS Health Insurance Program (PHIP). Here are the most effective strategies to reduce your costs.
📋 Step 1: Compare Plan Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Don't automatically renew your current plan. PHIP offers multiple options, and their costs can differ significantly for 2026.
Look beyond the premium: A lower monthly premium might mean higher costs when you need care. Review the out-of-pocket maximums and copays. For example, the Providence Flex plan has a maximum out-of-pocket of $3,000 for 2026, which is the cap on what you'll pay for covered services in a year.
💰 Step 2: Understand Your Premium Subsidy
As an Oregon PERS retiree, you may be eligible for a monthly premium subsidy to help lower your costs.
You can qualify for up to $60 per month toward your PHIP health plan premium if you meet these three conditions:
Have eight or more years of PERS service.
Are eligible for and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
Enroll in a PERS-sponsored health plan.
Key Enrollment Window: Medicare eligibility is generally your last opportunity to enroll in the PERS health insurance program, so make sure you don't miss it.
🤔 Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Plan for Your Needs
PHIP offers different plan types, and choosing the right one can lead to significant savings.
Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO/PPO): Plans like those from Providence, United Healthcare, and Kaiser offer lower premiums and extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage. They also have out-of-pocket maximums, which Original Medicare does not have. For instance, the Providence Flex plan includes a $200 allowance for eyeglasses every 24 months.
Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap): The Moda Health Medicare Supplement Plan has a higher premium ($402.21/month) but offers more flexibility. With this plan, you can see any licensed provider that accepts Medicare anywhere in the U.S., without needing referrals or worrying about network restrictions. It also pays secondary to Medicare, potentially covering costs that Original Medicare doesn't.
Special Needs Plan (SNP): If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible), you may qualify for a plan like CareOregon Advantage Plus with a $0 monthly premium and $0 deductible, plus extra benefits like an OTC card, in-home support, and transportation.
💎 Key Takeaway
Saving money on your Oregon PERS health plan comes down to an active choice:
Compare the 2026 premiums for all PHIP plans.
Factor in the $60/month subsidy you may be eligible for.
Balance the monthly premium against the plan's out-of-pocket maximum, network, and included benefits.
Since Medicare eligibility is often your final chance to enroll in a PERS plan, reviewing all your PHIP options before making a selection is the most important financial step you can take.