The state Exchanges will allow individuals and small business owners to compare and buy insurance plans - either in person, through the mail, phone, or via a web portal. The web portal will have comparative information about health plans including availability, covered benefits, premiums, cost-sharing, provider networks, and financial information such as the amount plans spend to pay medical claims relative to administrative costs (see medical loss ratio). Consumers will be able to use an online calculator to determine their actual costs for insurance, taking into account any premium subsidy they may receive. The Exchanges will also have a toll-free consumer assistance hotline and provide information that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
ACA Provisions »
- ACA Basics
- Individual Requirement
- Employer Requirements
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Health Insurance Exchanges
- How would individuals or businesses buy insurance in an Exchange?
- What will the Exchanges offer?
- What are an Exchange’s responsibilities?
- How will Exchanges coordinate with state Medicaid and CHIP programs?
- How can Exchanges hold health plans more accountable?
- How do Exchanges improve health plan quality and value?
- Subsidies
- Consumer Protections in the Affordable Care Act
- Setting Premiums
- Essential Benefit Package
- Coverage Tiers