Only 5 more days until the "Obamacare" marketplace opens up to the American public. Launching October 1st, Americans will be able to conveniently look up health insurance information, coverage, rates, and purchase insurance online. People who are currently uninsured or insured and want to see what their options are will be able to go to one site to access health insurance companies information. The site states that, "with one marketplace application, you can learn if you can get lower costs based on your income, compare your coverage option side-by-side, and enroll.
With the online exchange, the Government hopes to enroll an estimated 7 million Americans who are currently uninsured. Once the marketplace opens, people can enroll and purchase health insurance and receive coverage as soon as January 1st, 2014. The marketplace is also open to currently insured Americans who want to see what other options are available to them.
The government has many online systems available to the public such as; departmental agencies, representative contact information, checking your credit, changing your address, filing your taxes, and many more. Obviously there will be potential technical glitches when the site is officially up and running but I think that it looks user friendly and contains a lot of information about what exactly the marketplace is and how to use it, etc.
Many opponents argue that the marketplace will give easy access for hackers and will allow the government the ability to violate the privacy of Americans. A toll free number has been provided for people to call in and report fraudulent activity. The Obama administration will also be announcing measures to reassure Americans that they will be protected in the online marketplace.
Check out the link below to see the marketplace:
Health Insurance Marketplace, Affordable Care Act
So what do you guys think? Will be this an effective tool for Americans to access information?
Sources:
Begley, S. (2013, September 17). Obamacare customers may show up in fits and starts| Reuters. Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com. Retrieved September 25, 2013, from http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/17/us-usa-healthcare-enrollment-idUSBRE98G13620130917
Felsenthal, M., & Morgan, D. (2013, September 18). Obama administration seeks to bolster U.S. health law privacy| Reuters. Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com. Retrieved September 25, 2013, from http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/18/us-usa-healthcare-privacy-idUSBRE98H0MC20130918
Health Insurance Marketplace. (n.d.).healthcare.gov. Retrieved September 25, 2013, from https://www.healthcare.gov/what-is-the-health-insurance-marketplace/
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I had not realized that with this bill to pass then we would be able to do so much online. I enjoy this idea but I just have to wonder if it is all private and not being seen my the incorrect eyes. I think it is a good idea to have all the information in one place at one time. I hope it helps us to improve our health care systems to be helpful to all US citizens. Great article!
ReplyDeletePrivacy is definitely a concern for the majority of Americans especially with the recent events with the NSA. I agree that the online marketplace will be a great tool for people to gather information and see all of their options in one place. I'm all about convenience!
DeleteIt's a good thing for people. Nowadays, many poor people need health insurance, but they do not have the money to buy it; so if the government has opened up opportunities for them that's helpful and convenient for them.
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