Health Insurance Marketplace Opens, Offers Millions of Americans Quality, Affordable Health Care Coverage
For the first time ever, today all Americans can begin shopping for quality health coverage that is affordable, and not be denied or charged more because they have a pre-existing condition.
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a new, simpler way for uninsured Americans and their families to purchase health insurance in one place. Coverage begins as early as January 1, 2014 for people enrolling by December 15, 2013. Today also marks the kick-off of outreach and enrollment activities in communities nationwide. Enrollment events will take place in a variety of local settings including public libraries, churches, festivals, sports events, and community meetings.
“For years, the financial, physical or mental health of millions of Americans suffered because they couldn’t afford the care they or their family needed,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “But thanks to the health care law, all of that is changing. Today’s launch begins a new day when health care coverage will be more accessible and affordable than ever before.”
Coverage offered through the Marketplace includes a range of options so consumers can pick a plan that best meets their needs, the needs of their family, and their budget. With one Marketplace application, a consumer will be able to see if they qualify for lower costs on health insurance based on income or free or low-cost coverage available through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. No matter what state a consumer lives in, he or she will be able to use the Marketplace to apply for coverage, compare options, and enroll.
“Today marks the start of an intense six-month long open enrollment and public education campaign for the Marketplace,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “We want consumers to know that they can find and compare options, check if they qualify for lower costs, and get covered.”
Consumer Resources
A number of different resources are available to help consumers find Marketplace coverage. They can get more information through HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov. Consumers can participate in online web chats or speak with trained customer service representatives, with translation services available in 150 languages. Community health centers, Navigators and other assisters are available in local communities to provide in-person help with coverage choices. Many local libraries will help consumers learn about their options and hundreds of Champions for Coverage, which are businesses and organizations all across the country, are helping people learn about their options and enroll in affordable coverage.
• Contact by phone: Our consumer call center is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 1-800-318-2596 toll free (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Assistance is available in 150 languages.
• By mail: Health Insurance Marketplace, Dept. of Health and Human Services, 465 Industrial Blvd., London, KY 40750-0001
• In person: visit localhelp.healthcare.gov to find in-person assistance near you.
• Enroll online at HealthCare.gov
Affordable Coverage Options
Data released by HHS last week shows consumers will be able to choose from an average of 53 health plans in the Federally facilitated Marketplace, and the vast majority will have a choice of at least two different health insurance companies - usually more. Premiums nationwide will also be around 16 percent lower than originally expected – with about 95 percent of eligible uninsured living in states with lower than expected premiums – before taking into account financial assistance. Nearly 6 in 10 uninsured Americans could get insurance for $100 or less, with financial assistance and expanded access to Medicaid.
Small Businesses
The Marketplace includes a Small Business Health Option Program (SHOP), designed for small employers with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. The SHOP will allow small employers a choice of a quality health insurance plans and let them make side-by-side comparisons to choose a plan that’s right for their business and employees.
Employers buying health insurance through the SHOP may also qualify for a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to help defray their premium costs. Hundreds of thousands of small businesses with fewer than 25 employees have already received a tax credit of up to 35 percent of their health insurance costs. And beginning in 2014, this tax credit will be worth as much as 50 percent of the employer’s contribution to premiums. Small businesses can reach the dedicated SHOP Marketplace call center at 1-800-706-7893, Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm EST.
For information on many of the outreach and enrollment events taking place across the country, please visit: http://marketplace.cms.gov/getofficialresources/other-partner-resources/events-calendar-for-ffm-and-spms-.pdf
# # #
Like HHS on Facebook, follow HHS on Twitter @HHSgov, and sign up for HHS Email Updates
Follow HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Twitter @Sebelius