Are You Ready? The Health Insurance Marketplace Is Coming

(NewsUSA) - No doubt you've been starting to hear about the new Health Insurance Marketplace, a key part of the health care law that will be open for business on Oct. 1. But you probably still have questions. Well, we've got answers.

The best place for the latest, most accurate information on the Marketplace is the updated website HealthCare.gov. At the site, you can learn what it is, who can apply for insurance, how to get insurance, how to lower your costs and more. The Marketplace will help you find health insurance that fits your budget and meets your needs, with less hassle. If you own a small business, there's information for you, too.

No matter where you live, you may buy insurance from private health plans that cover a comprehensive set of benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care and prescriptions. And plans in the Marketplace can't deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

With a single application, you can also see if you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, or savings you can use right away to lower your health insurance premiums.

Enrollment Starts Oct. 1, 2013.

Visit HealthCare.gov to Get Ready

You can read information that pertains to you, print checklists and watch videos to help you get ready to apply and enroll.

You and your family can explore every qualified health plan in your area, and fill out an application when you're ready. You'll be able to take control with better information, including details about benefits and prices presented in clear language you can understand, so you'll know what your premiums, deductibles and other costs will be before you make a choice.

Once you've decided on a plan, you don't need to go anywhere else. Starting in October, you'll be able to enroll in the Marketplace directly for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2014.

Want help or need more information?

You can participate in a web chat on the website; or call a toll-free number, 1-800-318-2596, to speak with a customer service representative, and there will be people in your community who can help with your choices.

Visit HealthCare.gov now to get all the information you need about the Marketplace. Come back Oct. 1, fill out an application and enroll. It's that easy.

Prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services.