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The U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled an innovative new
online tool on July 1, 2010, which will help consumers take control of
their health care by connecting them to new information and resources
that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage.
Called for by the Affordable Care Act,
HealthCare.gov is
the first Web site to
provide consumers with both public and private health coverage options
tailored specifically for their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool.
This site has a central database of health coverage options, combining
information about public programs, from Medicare to the new Pre-Existing
Conditions Insurance Plan, with information from more than 1,000
private insurance plans.
"HealthCare.gov
helps consumers take control of their health care and make the choices
that are right for them, by putting the power of information at their
fingertips," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "For too long, the
insurance market has been confusing and hard to navigate. HealthCare.gov
makes it easy
for consumers and small businesses to compare health insurance plans in
both the public and the private sector and find other important health
care information."
As the health
care market transforms, so will HealthCare.gov.
In October 2010, price estimates for health insurance plans will be
available online and, moving forward, new information on preventing
disease and illness and improving the quality of health care for all
Americans also will be posted.
"People need
to see what choices are offered, what options cost, and how coverage
works in practice," said Karen Pollitz, Deputy Director for Consumer
Support, Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. "Today,
HealthCare.gov takes an important first step in that direction. In the
coming months and years, we will add pricing and plan performance
information so that consumers can see and understand and make meaningful
choices about their health coverage."
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