The federal online marketplace provides guidance for those who have newly purchased health insurance and are asking, "Now what?" U.S. officials say.
Officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said healthcare.gov can help people understand their new private insurance coverage on topics that include:
-- Making sure you're covered. Consumers who think they've signed up for marketplace health insurance but haven't heard from their insurance company can get help finding out if they're covered.
-- Getting prescription medication under a new plan. Marketplace health plans will help pay the cost of certain prescription medications. Consumers can get help finding out if their prescription is covered and how to apply for an exception if the medication is not currently covered by their plan.
-- Getting medical care and finding a doctor. Consumers can get help finding doctors and other healthcare providers covered by their new marketplace plan.
-- How to get emergency care. Consumers can get important information on utilizing emergency care and making sure they know that their insurance company can't charge more for emergency room services at an "out-of-network" hospital.
-- Appeal a health plan decision. Consumers have the right to appeal a decision when an insurance company refuses to pay for a specific treatment or service. "We can help guide consumers through the appeals process," HHS officials said.
"As we continue to give consumers information to help them understand their new marketplace coverage, we're also continuing to work to ensure that every American who wants to enroll in marketplace coverage by the end of the open enrollment period on March 31, 2014, is able to do so -- and enjoy the security and peace of mind that comes with having quality health coverage," officials said.
