Enroll online for new health exchanges
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Open enrollment for the health insurance marketplace, a new way to find low-cost health insurance, began Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Individuals, families, and small businesses can see if they qualify by visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596. Applications may be submitted online, by mail, or in person.
The marketplace was included in the Obama administration's health care bill to allow health insurers compete for business. It can help those without coverage as well as insured people who want to look at other options.
Visitors to the site can learn if they can get lower costs based on their income, compare their coverage options side-by-side, and enroll. They'll see all the health plans available in their area, find out if they can get lower premiums for private insurance plans, and find out if they qualify for lower out-of-pocket costs.
The marketplace will also tell users if they qualify for free or low-cost coverage available through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Most Americans will be eligible to use the marketplace, sometimes known as the health insurance "exchange."
Plans and prices will be available Oct. 1. Coverage starts as soon as Jan. 1, 2014. Open enrollment ends March 31, 2014.
What the plans cover
Insurance plans in the marketplace are offered by private companies. They cover the same core set of benefits called "essential health benefits":
No plan can turn a patient away or charge more because of an illness or medical condition. They must cover treatments for these conditions.
Plans can't charge women more than men for the same plan.
Many preventive services are covered at no cost to the patient.
The marketplace simplifies the search for health insurance by gathering together options available in an area and by presenting prices and benefits in simple language. Plans will presented in four categories: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Applicants will have a clear picture of the premiums they will pay and the benefits they will get before they enroll.
While all insurance plans are offered by private companies, the marketplace is run by either the state or the federal government.
New York State residents have their own site: http://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.