Hoyer Highlights New Revolutionary Health Care Information Resource -- HealthCare.gov

Press Release

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) applauded the launch today of HealthCare.gov, the most comprehensive resource about health care available to give consumers access to all their health care options, their rights as patients, and the benefits of the new health insurance reform law. The website hosts a wealth of straight-forward, jargon-free information, including a consumer-friendly tool that will help individuals and small businesses navigate the complicated process of shopping for health insurance. The creation of this website was one of the key features for consumers included in the Health Insurance Reform legislation that was signed into law in March.

"Information is power, and this website puts control over health care back into the hands of Maryland families and small businesses," said Rep. Hoyer. "Whether you're a new college graduate, a small business owner, a family who has recently lost insurance or someone with a pre-existing condition -- this site has a list of insurance options available for you. I urge all Marylanders to use this resource so you can make the most informed decisions about the health care coverage that works best for you."

The core of the new website is the powerful insurance options finder. After consumers input a few pieces of background information -- such as state, age range, and current insurance status -- the tool will generate a list of both private and public health insurance options. The tool will list details of insurance plans offered in that state, and include contact information for each company so consumers can arrange the insurance coverage that best fit their particular needs. Beginning in October, the tool will also include pricing information, further simplifying health insurance shopping.

"This tool creates a marketplace of transparency and competition, and with the addition of price estimates later this year, consumers can compare both the quality and the cost of their health insurance options," said Rep. Hoyer. "Not only will this website expand consumer choice, but it will increase competition among insurers to offer better quality and more affordable coverage."

The insurance options finder has a database of three billion scenarios, with listings from more than 1,000 insurance carriers and over 5,500 insurance products. The website also hosts over 500 new pages of content, such as a health care reform implementation timeline and state-by-state information for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

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