How are exchanges helping individuals and families?

If you need coverage, you can use the exchange to enroll. If you have coverage, you gain new rights and protections through the exchange. 

But if you don’t have any qualified coverage (individual or family coverage, plan through your job or your spouse's, or a government-sponsored plan), you may have to pay a fee.

Exchanges and what’s changing in 2014

Whether you’ve been uninsured, you’ve been turned down for health insurance in the past, or you just want to see if you can save money and get better coverage under the new law, the exchange will give you more choices. And, you'll have more control over your benefits. No matter where you live in the United States, you'll have access to the new health plans. 

By using a private exchange, you can compare coverage options based on price, benefits, quality, and more. You can compare private and government-sponsored plans side-by-side. You can choose the combination of price and benefits that fits your budget and meets your needs.

• You can get lower costs on coverage: Many will qualify for lower monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles, copays, etc) on private insurance through the exchange. Subsidies are on a sliding scale to keep insurance affordable for you based on your household income.
• Essential health benefits are covered in the exchange: All plans must offer Essential Health Benefits including doctor visits, preventive care, hospitalization, prescriptions, and more - with no yearly or lifetime benefit limits, so you can never run out of insurance on core care. 
• Pre-existing conditions will be covered: Plans won’t be able to deny you coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing health conditions, including a pregnancy or disability.
• An exchange can help you make decisions:  Find out if you qualify for lower premiums, check doctor networks, compare plans side-by-side, calculators for tax subsidies or Small Business Tax Credits, watch videos to help you make choices: these are just some of the helpful tools you can use through the exchange. And you'll have access to a nationwide team of benefit specialists and Health Reform experts if you need personalized assistance. 
• Fees begin: Beginning 2014, most people are required to have health coverage. Coverage could be a plan you purchase yourself, coverage through your job or your spouse's job, or a government-sponsored plan. Without qualified coverage, most people will be charged a fee starting in 2014. 

Open enrollment for exchange plans begins October 1, 2013 and runs through March 31, 2014. Coverage begins as early as January 1, 2014.