Agent Wears Two Hats: 'The goal for the community is to be prepared!'

HealthMarkets Agent Kris Sallee and her team are ready to assist you with insurance coverage for all your healthcare concerns. Promising to “show you plans that fit your needs and your budget,” clients receive full explanations of a policy’s health coverage as well as how the policy works. Many consumers start out handling their own enrollment, but often become overwhelmed by the process. HealthMarkets’ agents can complete the enrollment process for you, and are available throughout the year for any questions or needs that may arise. “And there is no fee for any agent services!” Kris points out.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is just around the corner beginning on October 15. Medicare is complicated and every year Medicare makes changes with their coverage. For 2026 coverage, Medicare Part B premium will increase to over $200 per month and Part D deductible for prescription drugs increases to $615. 

 The MarketPlace (healthcare.gov) is implementing new requirements for eligible enrollees. These include a Loss of Coverage letter from the employer or insurance company to validate a qualifying event. Also, if tax returns are over one year behind, the tax credit will not be allowed and consumers will pay full price. 

HealthMarkets Agents recertify each year with Medicare and healthcare.gov to assist clients with the enrollment process and seek out creative options for coverage. Meeting with clients throughout the year to review their plans, Kris often finds enrollees are unsure of all the benefits their coverage provides. Particularly important for those receiving medical treatment or planning an upcoming surgery, knowing their coverage and potential costs can ease their mind.

 Open Enrollment begins November 1 and as a certified Oregon Health Plan enroller, Kris is qualified to assist with all levels of healthcare coverage: Individual, Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan) or Medicare for those 65 and over. To review your options and make an informed decision for your 2026 coverage, call (503)263-8200 or email ksallee@healthmarkets.com. To book online visit, calendly.com/ksallee. The office is located at 1433 SE 1st Ave., Suite 103 in Canby.

Community Preparedness ranks high for Kris Sallee! A resident of Aurora, Kris established Aurora Emergency Preparedness, a 501(c)(3), which began as a grassroots community-activated response group. Based on their location at the tip of Marion County, and connection to the greater region dependent upon three bridges, Kris poses, “If we had a big Cascadia event, what would happen to Aurora?” Her concern is that “We would be an island unto ourselves,” until emergency fire, police or utility services could assist, which may take considerable time.

Local Aid and Resources have been acquired through fundraising and joint community efforts. Marion County provided funding and an Emergency Response Trailer. Aurora Fire is housing the Emergency Trailer and providing space for first aid, triage, and emergency training for Neighborhood Captains and interested residents. Further efforts have resulted in upgrading radios, stocking the Response Trailer and working toward the purchase of personal generators.

Be Prepared with Two-Weeks-Ready Go-Bag! In the event of a major emergency in Aurora or any of the smaller communities in northern Marion County (Hubbard, Aurora, Donald, Brooks, Gervais, etc.), Kris cautions, “We may need to be on our own anywhere from three days to two weeks or longer.” Recent years’ ice storms and wildfires have brought that concern home.

Donations and Volunteers are always needed. Volunteer roles within the organization are open to anyone who wants to get involved. To make a donation, contact Aurora Emergency Preparedness via email at aurorapreparedness@gmail.comor Facebook, or mail a check to Aurora Emergency Preparedness, PO Box 602, Aurora, OR 97002. 

“At the end of the day, what’s more important is to make sure everyone is cared for and in a safe place – that has always been my passion,” says Kris.