Imagine
shopping for health
insurance the way you shop for
clothes at themall. You could see
your choices, get answers to your
questions, and select the health plan
that ts you and your budget best.
That is what is intendedwhen you
shop for health insurance on an
exchange.
Established through the A ordable
Care Act, exchanges are state-
based*marketplaces designed to
make it easier for people to purchase
health insurance. Small employers
will be able to go through exchanges
to o er insurance to their employees
as well. California is one of the
leading states in providing online
access to the insurance exchange
opportunity.
Simplifyingyour choice
Now that health care reform is in full
e ect, most people are required to
carry health insurance. That means
if you don’t currently have health
coverage, you’ll have to get it or risk
being ned by the IRS.
Exchanges bring together informa-
tion about all of your health insur-
Need health
insurance?
It’s not too late.
ance options in one online location.
They allow you to compare your
choices, learn if you’re eligible for
public health insurance programs or
tax credits that will make coverage
more a ordable, and join the plan of
your choosing.
Enrollment began in October and
will close
March 31, 2014
.
Howthey canhelp
According to the U.S. Department of
Health andHuman Services, ex-
changes will performa number of
valuable functions. For instance,
they will:
Certify that a health plan
provides key bene ts, follows
established limits concerning
deductibles and co-pays, and
meets other requirements.
Provide information on all of the
plans o ered in a standardized
format.
Assign ratings to each plan based
on quality and price.
Operate a website and toll-free
phone number where you can
get information on the plans
and purchase them if you
qualify. The California website,
is among
the best. Covered California is
an independent part of the state
government whose job is to make
the newmarket work for Califor-
nia’s consumers.
Enrollment resources
Having health insurance is a tre-
mendous bene t. But nding the
right plan takes time. Exchanges
will help make the process easier.
And that may make good health
easier to achieve and maintain.
You can also speak with a Certi-
ed Covered California insurance
agent or counselor to assist with
your health care coverage decision
by going to the Covered California
site. Dignity Health has created a
helpful dedicated website to help
guide you through the process. You
can learn more about exchanges
and health care reform at
.
*Some states have elected not to set up an exchange. In those
states, the federal government will operate the exchange.
Dignity Health North State
Hospitals accept the plans
offered within Covered
California.
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