UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A new website developed by Penn State Extension specialists is designed to be a one-stop resource for those seeking information on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which was created under the federal Affordable Care Act.
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a unique opportunity for previously uninsured consumers, small businesses and others to shop for health insurance and compare plans at one location. The open enrollment period runs from Oct. 1 to March 31 with coverage beginning as early as Jan. 1, 2014.
The Penn State Extension Health Insurance Literacy website provides extensive resources that are just a keystroke or phone call away for Pennsylvania shoppers who want to do their homework before deciding which policy to buy, according to consumer-issues specialist Cathy Bowen, professor of agricultural and extension education in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
"We have consolidated many of the key reliable resources for consumers in a no-frills format," she said, noting that most of the references are from the federal government and nonprofit agencies and are designed to provide unbiased information.
"This website was created to shorten the search time for information and to help consumers find resources they may need to make informed decisions."