

New Consumer Assistance Program grants funded by the law will help make sure that consumers receive their new rights and benefits under the Affordable Care Act by providing grant money to states to educate consumers about their health coverage options and new programs, empower consumers to avail themselves of new protections, ensure consumers have access to accurate information, and help consumers navigate the system to find the most affordable and secure coverage that meets their needs. To ensure consumers know their rights, the Administration has launched and supported state efforts to inform and protect consumers. Direct Help with Problems or Questions about Health Coverage

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In addition, provides extensive information about consumer rights, tips for how to navigate the market’s complexities, and details on how the Affordable Care Act provides new protections for all Americans. The new benefits include such things as home health services, in- and out-patient rehabilitation services, skilled nursing facilities, hospice services, dental care, infertility treatments and weight loss programs. The benefits will be listed as covered, not covered, covered with limitations, or available for an additional premium. With this new update, consumers will have access to a more comprehensive list of benefits each plan offers along with the level of coverage provided. Previously, the website gave consumers information on a variety of benefits, including primary care office visits, specialist visits, X-ray/lab work, hospitalization, emergency room visits, prescription coverage, mental health and substance abuse coverage, and maternity coverage. has also expanded its information on plan benefits. The tool also helps you find coverage if you have a pre-existing health condition or qualify for other public options. While coverage can be expensive, this tool can help you find policies in your area that offer the lowest premiums, the lowest out-of-pocket costs, and other features that matter when finding the most affordable option. More information on the Summary of Benefits and Coverage and the Uniform Glossary can be found here: Finding Insurance Options Near YouĪt, our insurance and coverage finder tool allows you to shop for private health insurance policies.

This will include a new, standardized plan comparison tool called “coverage examples,” similar to the Nutrition Facts label required for packaged foods. A short, easy-to-understand Summary of Benefits and Coverage (or “SBC”).Specifically, under these rules, consumers will have access to two key documents that will be written in plain language, in a standard format, to help you understand and evaluate your choices:

The new requirements will also make it easier for employers to compare health insurance options to provide for their employees. New Affordable Care Act rules require health plans to provide a summary of benefits and coverage, and a list of definitions, designed to make it easier for you to compare your options, and understand exactly what you are buying. Requiring Insurers to Use Plain Language in Describing Benefits and Coverageīefore the Affordable Care Act, the marketing materials provided by insurers could make it difficult for consumers like you to understand what the policies cover and how cost sharing works in order to choose the plan that will work best for your specific health care needs. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has already implemented many of the new provisions of the law designed to empower consumers with information that was unavailable prior to passage of the health care reform law. These developments will help ensure that you have the information to make smart decisions and assure you that you are receiving a better value for your health care dollars. The Affordable Care Act includes new patient protections that give you greater control over the care you receive, as well as new resources to make the health care system more transparent and competitive.
