Health Insurance Marketplace Press Event -- 10.1.2013
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Media Advisory
FOR MONDAY, September 30, 2013
HealthCare.gov Launches to help Residents find Best Health Insurance Coverage
Health Insurance Marketplace Gives Consumers Insurance Options to Improve Health
WHAT:
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services representative will join public health officials, community leaders and stakeholders to launch the Health Insurance Marketplace for uninsured individuals, families and small businesses to find health insurance that fits their budget and needs.
WHO:
Kathleen Falk, Regional Director of Region V, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Teresa Long, Health Commissioner at Columbus Public Health; John O’Grady, President of Franklin County Board of Commissioners; Priscilla Tyson, Member of Columbus City Council; and, Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, Executive Director at Ohio Association of Foodbanks.
WHEN: October 1, 2013
9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Franklin County Court of Commons Pleas
345 S. High Street
Press Room, 1st Floor
DETAILS:
The new Health Insurance Marketplace will give individuals, families and small businesses in central Ohio a new way to shop for health insurance that fits their budgets and meets their needs. Beginning October 1, the latest and most accurate information about the Marketplace is at HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov for Spanish speaking consumers. Local enrollment assistance will also be available at ohioforhealth.org or 1-800-648-1176.
For the first time, consumers will be able to go to one place to search for health coverage options, get accurate information in easy to understand language on different plans, and make apples-to-apples comparisons of private insurance plans. No matter where they live, consumers will only need to fill out a single application to choose from health plans available in their area, find out if they qualify for programs such as Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or if they qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. New rules and expanded programs mean more people than ever before -- including working families -- will get financial help for health insurance
The Affordable Care Act includes comprehensive health insurance reforms. Since the law passed: 3.1 million young adults have gained insurance through their parents’ plans; 105 million Americans had lifetime limits removed from their coverage; 6.1 million people with Medicare received $5.7 billion in prescription drug discounts through 2012; and, $2.1 billion was returned to consumers in 2011 because their health plans did not spend at least 80 percent of premium dollars on care or quality improvements.
MORE INFO:
For more information, visit HealthCare.gov or Columbus Public Health at www.publichealth.columbus.gov or on Facebook/Twitter/YouTube or www.HealthCare.gov.
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