This article is from the source 'washpo' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.washingtonpost.com/healthcaregov-reopens-for-shopping/2014/11/15/b3b1e293-2d0c-4832-9fd7-0ae5d167404b_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| HealthCare.gov reopens for shopping for new, returning enrollees | HealthCare.gov reopens for shopping for new, returning enrollees |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The second act of HealthCare.gov, the enrollment Web site serving 30-plus states, is officially underway. | The second act of HealthCare.gov, the enrollment Web site serving 30-plus states, is officially underway. |
| The Web site reopened for business sometime early Saturday morning, allowing people to buy 2015 health plans from the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces. | The Web site reopened for business sometime early Saturday morning, allowing people to buy 2015 health plans from the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces. |
| The rebuilt site appeared to be running smoothly when I tested it around 8 a.m. I didn't encounter any wait screens, and I was able to create an account and start the application process immediately. | The rebuilt site appeared to be running smoothly when I tested it around 8 a.m. I didn't encounter any wait screens, and I was able to create an account and start the application process immediately. |
| There are apparently some minor wait times at the federal call center, though. When I called at 8:25 a.m., I was told I'd have to wait 15 minutes to speak with a representative to start a new application. | There are apparently some minor wait times at the federal call center, though. When I called at 8:25 a.m., I was told I'd have to wait 15 minutes to speak with a representative to start a new application. |
| A key difference this year is that about 7.1 million people who bought 2014 marketplace plans can return to HealthCare.gov to either renew their coverage or purchase a new plan. The Obama administration and consumer advocates have been urging last year's customers to review their options this year to see if they can get a better deal. | A key difference this year is that about 7.1 million people who bought 2014 marketplace plans can return to HealthCare.gov to either renew their coverage or purchase a new plan. The Obama administration and consumer advocates have been urging last year's customers to review their options this year to see if they can get a better deal. |
| A Friday data dump of 2015 health insurance premiums from the Department of Health and Human Services shows relatively modest price increases on average for "bronze" and "silver" marketplace health plans, which were the most popular types purchased in 2014. For example, the average premium for a 50-year-old nonsmoker will increase just 4 percent to $381 for the cheapest silver plan in 2015, according an analysis from the consulting firm Avalere Health. | A Friday data dump of 2015 health insurance premiums from the Department of Health and Human Services shows relatively modest price increases on average for "bronze" and "silver" marketplace health plans, which were the most popular types purchased in 2014. For example, the average premium for a 50-year-old nonsmoker will increase just 4 percent to $381 for the cheapest silver plan in 2015, according an analysis from the consulting firm Avalere Health. |
| However, premiums will vary based on each person's circumstances. And health insurance experts warn that many returning customers who bought the lowest-cost health plans in 2014 will see their premiums rise if they don't switch into another plan in 2015. That's because health insurance subsidies, which about 85 percent of marketplace enrollees received last year, are pegged to a specific low-cost plan in each area, and cheaper options may be available this year. | However, premiums will vary based on each person's circumstances. And health insurance experts warn that many returning customers who bought the lowest-cost health plans in 2014 will see their premiums rise if they don't switch into another plan in 2015. That's because health insurance subsidies, which about 85 percent of marketplace enrollees received last year, are pegged to a specific low-cost plan in each area, and cheaper options may be available this year. |
| HealthCare.gov also offers a reminder that the enrollment process will be different for returning customers in some states. After their states suffered Web site failures last year, residents of Nevada and Oregon will have to go through HealthCare.gov if they want to apply online. Idaho is also the only state launching its own enrollment site this year. | HealthCare.gov also offers a reminder that the enrollment process will be different for returning customers in some states. After their states suffered Web site failures last year, residents of Nevada and Oregon will have to go through HealthCare.gov if they want to apply online. Idaho is also the only state launching its own enrollment site this year. |
| Maryland's exchange, which is using Connecticut's enrollment platform this year, is slowly relaunching its Web site. Maryland residents on Saturday morning started to sign up at an enrollment fair in Glen Burnie, and the state's new Web site opens to all users on Wednesday. | |
| We'll be watching to see if the administration releases any numbers today about traffic to HealthCare.gov or the call center. The opening day of HealthCare.gov last year, by 4 p.m., attracted 2.8 million visitors to what was then a severely flawed Web site. | |
| This post was updated at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. |