DeGette Applauds Launch of Innovative Health Care Resource, Healthcare.gov
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-1) today applauded the launch of HealthCare.gov, a revolutionary health care resource, which offers the first comprehensive tool to help individuals and small businesses navigate the complicated process of shopping for health insurance. The website also hosts a wealth of clear, jargon-free information on health care and insurance. It was one of the key consumer-focused features included in the health insurance reform legislation signed into law in March.
"Today marks a meaningful step in our efforts to bring access to affordable health care to all Americans," said DeGette. "This website empowers consumers and small businesses to be in better control of their health care by providing the first comprehensive health insurance online search function. Whether you're a small business owner, a family who has recently lost insurance or someone with a pre-existing condition – this site can give you a list of insurance options available to meet your needs. Finally Colorado's families and small businesses can easily search for available insurance options and make informed decisions about their health care with thorough, unbiased information."
While the website provides a full range of health care information, like useful advice to live a healthier life, the core of the new website is the powerful insurance options finder. After users input a few pieces of background information – such as state, age range, and current insurance status – the tool generates a list of both private and public health insurance options. The tool lists details of insurance plans offered in that state, and includes contact information for each company so consumers can contact the companies that best fit their needs. Beginning in October, the tool will also include pricing information, further simplifying health insurance shopping.
"The insurance options finder actually creates a marketplace of transparency and competition," continued DeGette. "With the addition of plan price estimates in October, HealthCare.gov will enable consumers to compare both the quality and the cost of their health insurance options so they can choose what plan works best for them. Not only will this website expand consumer choice, it will increase competition among insurers to offer better quality and more affordable coverage."
The insurance options finder has a database of over 3 billion scenarios, with listings from more than 1000 insurance carriers and over 5500 insurance products. The website also hosts over 500 new pages of content, such as a health care reform implementation timeline and state-by-state information for individuals with pre-existing conditions.