Department of Human Services

 

Q:  Can you explain the better health insurance choices coming this October 2013 that I’ve heard called the Health Insurance Marketplace?Is this a part of the Affordable Care Act or what has been called Health Care Reform?

 A:  When key parts of the health care law (the Affordable Care Act) take effect, there’ll be a new way to buy health insurance for yourself, your family or your small business: the Health Insurance Marketplace. Whether you’re uninsured or just want to see what’s available, the Marketplace offers more choice, more transparency, and more control over your health insurance options.

To clarify, this health insurance is not for those who have Medicare, as Medicare beneficiaries already have health insurance.This is for those individuals, families and small businesses who do not have health insurance through an employer or as an employer, or they cannot get health insurance on their own that fits their budget, and offers a comprehensive set of health insurance benefits.

The Marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that fits your budget, with less

hassle. No matter where you live, you’ll be able to buy insurance from qualified private health

plans that cover a comprehensive set of benefits, including doctor visits, preventive care, hospital

visits and prescriptions. New laws mean plans must treat you fairly and can’t deny you coverage

because of pre-existing or chronic conditions.

 

One application, one time, and you and your family can explore every qualified health insurance

plan in your area. You’ll be able to take control with better information to help you choose,

including details about benefits and price presented in clear language you can understand, so you know what your premium, deductibles, and other costs will be before you make a choice.

At the Marketplace, you’ll also get information about Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance

Program (CHIP), and a new kind of advance tax credit you can use right away to lower your

monthly health plan premiums. In fact, more people than ever before will be able to get a break

on costs — you may even qualify for free or low cost plans. You’ll see all the programs you’re

eligible for right after you apply.

 

When enrollment in the Marketplace starts in October 2013, you’ll be able to find insurance that

fits the way you live, at a price you can be comfortable with. You can enroll directly through our

website at HealthCare.gov.

 

Enrollment starts October 2013. Sign up NOW at HealthCare.gov to get email

or text alerts to keep you on track.

The Marketplace will let you compare health private plans and check eligibility for several low-

cost and no-cost insurance affordability programs all in one place, with a single application.

The Marketplace at HealthCare.gov will be much more than any health insurance website you’ve

used before. Insurance companies will compete for your business on a level and transparent

playing field, with no hidden costs or misleading fine print. When open enrollment starts in

October 2013, you’ll have more choice, more control, and more clout when it comes to health

insurance. And if you have difficulty finding a plan that meets your needs and budget, we’re

working to make sure there’ll be people in local communities who can give you personal help

with your choices.

 

Keep checking back for more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, and sign up

for updates to get ready to enroll in the Fall. 

 

For more information visit www.HealthCare.gov