Illinois looks to raise awareness of health insurance exchange

Health Insurance Illinois

Federal grant to help popularize state health insurance exchange Last week, Illinois received a $115 million federal grant designed to help the state build and promote a functioning health insurance exchange for residents. The exchange is a mandatory part of the Affordable Care Act, which rules that all states must have a working exchange in place by 2014. Several states have opted to oppose this provision of the controversial health care law, in which case the federal government has taken the responsibility of establishing an exchange program in these states.…

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Health insurance exchange receives a boost in Chicago from Sebelius visit

Health Insurance exchange marketplaces

The appearance on Wednesday was specifically designed to give the marketplace positive push. Kathleen Sebelius, the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, made an appearance in Chicago, yesterday, in order to launch the rebranded health insurance exchanges as coverage “marketplaces”. Under this new term, the state level online resources will still be providing the same services. A central element of the healthcare reform law that was first implemented in 2010, these health insurance exchanges are meant to provide individuals and small businesses with an online location where they can compare…

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Illinois sets sights on health insurance co-op

Illinois Health Insurance Exchange

Illinois announces plans for health insurance co-op As the Affordable Care Act inches closer to becoming fully enacted in 2014, states are making moves on the health insurance exchanges that the law requires them to host. These health insurance exchange systems are meant to be online marketplaces where consumers can find affordable health insurance policies. Several states have chosen not to build or operate their own insurance exchange but others, such as Illinois, have been considering a somewhat less popular approach to the issue. Co-op could be a decent alternative…

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Illinois health insurance exchange still uncertain

Illinois Health Insurance Exchanges

Illinois health insurance exchange is the basis for new political turmoil in its home state The Affordable Care Act is here to stay in the U.S., secured by a second term victory from President Obama and upheld by the Supreme Court. Because the future of the health care reform law is not longer in question, states are beginning to take aggressive steps to ensure they comply with the federal law. Some of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act are more easily accomplished than others, however, and some states are…

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Illinois health insurance exchange making progress

Illinois Health Insurance Exchange

Legislators continue to push for Illinois health insurance exchange The Illinois health insurance exchange is on track to comply with federal regulations and deadlines. State officials have been making progress in building the state’s own exchange program, hoping to have one established before being confronted by deadlines from the federal government. Thus far, progress has been modest, but promising. The state is now reviewing five bids from companies and organizations interested in building the exchange program. Legislators are expected to choose one of these bidders within the coming months. State…

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