HHS Launches Health Insurance Database

hand on mouse.jpgThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled its new web portal through which individuals and employers can obtain information about insurance options and other aspects of the new health care reform law. This is the first phase of the database rollout. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or “Affordable Care Act”) required the HHS to establish this web portal by July 1, 2010. To that end, the HHS in May issued a rule requesting specific information from insurance issuers, states, associations, and high risk pools. As explained in the rule, the agency intends to continue collecting information from these entities in order to provide more complete and accurate insurance policy data by October 1, 2010.

The web portal poses a series of questions in order to provide the user with information about his or her insurance options, including specific plans available in the user’s location. In addition, the portal includes a tab specifically aimed at answering employer questions about the new law.

This entry was written by Ilyse Schuman.

Photo credit: photodora.com

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.