When the next phase of theAffordable Care Act (ACA) kicks into gear January 1, 2014, each state will be required to offer its residents access to health care insurance through an online marketplace, often referred to as a “health insurance exchange.” These exchanges are now open for business today, Oct. 1, 2013, allowing individuals to sign up online, by phone or in-person, with health insurance coverage starting next year.
Until now, buying health insurance has been a daunting task for most individuals and small businesses. But purchasing health insurance through exchanges will more closely resemble booking a vacation on Expedia or Orbitz. People using this vehicle to enroll will see lots of options, common features among the offerings, and greater transparency around price, quality and consumer ratings.
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