The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a revamped, consumer-focused HealthCare.gov website and 24-hour-a-day call center today in an effort to educate the public about the Health Insurance Marketplace and help them prepare for open enrollment once it begins in October. The new streamlined website offers educational tools to guide Americans through their health insurance choices and ultimately select the coverage that best meets their needs.

There is something for everyone on this site.  Whether you are one person, a family, or a small business owner you can find links to websites of state-run marketplaces, facts on on qualifying for Medicaid, and information about accessing low-cost care at a Community Health Centers.  The online resource also encourages consumers to be aware of their rights and protections under the Affordable Care Act and their preventative care benefits. For Spanish speaking consumers,  CuidadoDeSalud.gov will also be updated with the same consumer-friendly features. The site also offers resources in other languages, including Chinese, French, French Creole, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

According to HHS “the website will add functionality over the summer so that, by October, consumers will be able to create accounts, create a checklist to prepare for open enrollment, complete an online application, and shop for qualified health plans.” Accessible via smart-phones and other mobile devices, the website allows content sharing on social media platforms and, if users can’t find the information they are looking for, or have other questions, they can also use the live chat functionality.

For more information visit: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/06/20130624a.html

For brochures, fact sheets, flyers, widgets and badges visit: http://marketplace.cms.gov/