Marketplace Reform Phases-In With New Federal Website

On July 1, 2010, the Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO), an arm of the Department of Health and Human Services, will launch an informational health care insurance website (www.healthcare.gov) as part of the health insurance market reform. OCIIO officials describe this effort as an attempt to "create some order in the marketplace." The site is designed to provide basic information, such as the names of all private and public health plans, insurance companies and web links. However, the site will be informational only and consumers will have to contact the health plans directly to purchase coverage.  

 

In October, OCIIO plans to expand the website to include more cost and benefit data; however, the details about what information will be available about insurers is the subject of debate. Some insurers believe OCIIO's website expansion will include too much information about the insurance plans and that it may mislead potential customers. For example, the website may provide data regarding the percent of claims that health plans deny, the rate at which they cancel policies after customers get sick, and the number of times patients appeal coverage decisions. On the other hand, consumer groups such as AARP and Families USA want as much transparency as possible about quality and customer service to help people make more informed choices.

 

OCIIO's objective is to ensure that the website helps consumers deal with the health insurance market until 2014. After 2014, other health reform provisions, including state-based health insurance exchanges and state exchange websites, take effect to make it easier for individuals and small businesses to purchase insurance.

 

Click here to go to OCIIO's website.

Click here to read a Kaiser Health news article regarding the website.