Health Care

New Online Health Care Tool Now Available to Consumers

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."

Visit www.healthcare.gov.
Health Care