Delawareans who want to sign up for health insurance through the state’s new marketplace can prepare now for the Oct. 1 start of the enrollment period by logging on to www.ChooseHealthDE.com. The site was announced on Thursday.
The site has the newest features in web design that allow use by smartphones and tablets.
ChooseHealthDE.com is the official state marketplace source for small business owners and others to access up-to-date information about health care and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
The marketplace is aimed at people who are uninsured, although business owners and individuals will be watching to see if the marketplace brings more choices and rate stability in Delaware, a state known for high health insurance costs.
The marketplace also comes at a time when groups such as the Heritage Foundation, are making efforts to “de-fund” the Affordable Care Act that carried a provision on marketplaces. Delaware opted to participate, while other states, such as Pennsylvania did not.
Small business owners and individuals can shop for plans and enroll starting Oct. 1 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2014. Open enrollment will continue through March 31, 2014, for coverage in 2014.
Health insurance policies often operate on a calendar year, although many companies use a fiscal year.
Individuals can use the site now to answer a few questions and learn if they might qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs, or get free or low-cost coverage. Until the actual plans and rates become available Oct. 1, users can get a rough estimate of costs and savings by using a subsidy calculator created by the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation.
Partner organizations such as hospitals, health care centers and nonprofits are ready to help residents navitgate the marketplace by visiting the partner section of the site, which includes shareable website “badges” that link to ChooseHealthDE.com, the state release noted.
Other features of the site include crucial dates relating to the marketplace and the essential health benefits that will be covered. Users can also sign up to receive email updates on specific topics of interest.
“The Choose Health Delaware site is a great introduction to the marketplace and an excellent place to find answers to basic questions,” says Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. “It’s a good way to prepare for the open enrollment period that starts Oct. 1. We strongly encourage people to visit ChooseHealthDE.com and to spread the word to family and friends who can benefit from the Marketplace.”
