Website Facilitates Health Insurance Exchange Enrollment
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Upheld by the Supreme Court in July of 2012 the law puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will roll out over the next four years and beyond. One of the cornerstones of ACA is giving Americans access to affordable health insurance options through a Health Insurance Exchange Marketplace starting in 2014. Enrollment to get coverage through a health insurance exchange opens October 1, 2013.
To help consumers prepare for open enrollment in the Health Insurance Exchange Marketplace the Obama administration has updated its Healthcare.gov website. The website and 24-hour consumer call center  are designed to walk us through the process of signing up for private health insurance. In a statement by issued by Health and Human Services,  HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said “The new website and toll-free number have a simple mission: to make sure every American who needs health coverage has the information they need to make choices that are right for themselves and their families—or their businesses.”
Over the coming months new features and functions will be added to the Health Insurance Exchange Marketplace including the ability to create an account, complete an online application, and shop for qualified health plans.  The site will also incorporate social media and live chat tools. For Spanish speaking consumers, CuidadoDeSalud.gov will also be updated. The Healthcare.gov website currently offers educational information on:
- What is a Health Insurance Exchanges
- Marketplace by State
- Selecting a plan
- Information for small businesses
- How to get a lower insurance premium
- Options for individuals who are self-employed
- Coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions
Not to leave developers out of the mix, the site is built on open source code with content available through an API.  Developers can learn more at www.healthcare.gov/developers.