HHS Reports on Health Plan Choice

On September 25, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services released a report on health plan choices and premiums in 48 state marketplaces. According to the report, consumers will be able to choose from an average of 53 health plans in the Marketplace, and the vast majority of consumers will have a choice of at least two different health insurance companies – usually more. Premiums nationwide will also be around 16 percent lower than originally expected – with about 95 percent of eligible uninsured live in states with lower than expected premiums – before taking into account financial assistance. The new healthcare marketplace opens on October 1, 2013 and remains open for 6 months. The marketplace will allow consumers to shop for and purchase health insurance in one location. No one can be denied coverage because of a preexisting condition.