HHS launches Health Insurance Marketplace website, call center

Laura Pedulli | | Health Exec | Policy & Regulations

Signaling its drive to ready Americans for open enrollment of health insurance exchanges in October, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the consumer website, HealthCare.gov, and consumer call center to help individuals select the most appropriate coverage, according to a June 24 announcement. The agency stressed that it is on target for the fall enrollment, with coverage expected to begin in 2014.

As the home of the health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov will provide educational tools to assist individuals in prepping for the Oct. 1 enrollment start date. The website will add functionality over the next few months, including an ability to create an account, fill out an online application and seek out qualified health plans, according to the notice. HHS will concurrently update the website for Spanish speaking consumers, CuidadoDeSalud.gov.

The call center, accessible via a toll-free number at 1-800-318-2596 or 1-855-889-4325 for hearing impaired callers, provides assistance in more than 150 languages through an interpretation and translation service.

“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,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, in a statement.

Laura Pedulli

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