Blog: Hoyer Heralds: Hoyer Encourages Individuals, Families, Small Business Owners to Visit HealthCare.Gov and Maryland Health Connection Website

Statement

As the implementation of the Affordable Care Act continues, I wanted to share some important resources for individuals, families, and small businesses looking for health care coverage. Beginning on October 1, consumers will be able to enroll in affordable health care plans in transparent and competitive insurance marketplaces, and coverage begins on January 1, 2014.

Maryland is leading the way when it comes to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and has made significant progress in setting up its own health insurance marketplace called the Maryland Health Connection. You can visit www.marylandhealthconnection.com for more information on our state's marketplace and to sign up for e-mail updates. Beginning in October, consumers will be able to use the website to compare health plans, and determine if they qualify for federal tax credits or if they are eligible for other programs, such as Medicaid. Maryland small businesses will also be able to use the website to compare health care plans. Later this summer, the Maryland Health Connection will open a toll-free call center that will connect consumers to customer service representatives, as well as provide in-person assistance throughout the state.

Until then, Maryland consumers can visit a new HealthCare.Gov website for general information. The website provides important news and updates to consumers, as well as the opportunity to connect with a customer service representative who can answer general questions in an online conversation. The resources on the website are also available through a 24-hours-a-day toll-free call center. Consumers can call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to speak with a customer service representative on the phone.

Later this year, when specific information on Maryland's exchange and the insurance options available to Marylanders is available, this general HealthCare.Gov website and call center will directly refer you to the Maryland Health Connection, but the HealthCare.Gov website and call center may be helpful for general inquiries until the Maryland Health Connection call center and in-person assistance is available.

I hope you find these resources helpful. As always, thank you for allowing me to share this update with you. Please connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

With warmest regards, I am

Sincerely yours,

Steny H. Hoyer

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