exchanges are “marketplaces” that will allow you to compare plans in your state based on price and quality. when implemented in 2014 they’ll be a “one-stop” shop to find and compare affordable quality health-insurance options. in implementing the health-insurance exchanges hhs is partnering with states to take the often complicated process individuals and small businesses face in purchasing insurance on their own and turn it into a simple easy-to-navigate experience that benefits consumers rather than insurance companies. exchanges will lower costs by increasing competition among private insurance plans through greater comparative shopping and more informed consumers. and by pooling them together exchanges will give small businesses the purchasing power that large businesses enjoy today. in addition individuals and families buying insurance through an exchange may qualify for tax credits to help pay for premiums and reduce their out-of-pocket payments; small businesses buying through the exchange will have access to tax credits to help make premiums contributions for their employees. consumers who choose to use them will also have access to a wide range of customer-assistance benefits – including information about prices quality and physician and hospital networks – to help make the best choice for themselves their families or their employees.
how are the new health care reform exchanges going to work?