State a step closer to health insurance exchange
Updated: February 14, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- The state is one step closer to making health insurance more affordable. It just got approval to launch an online health insurance exchange. WCIA-3's Brittany Harris finds out about the bigger push to help the uninsured.
"This would really provide a place for individuals and small businesses to go and help them get health insurance."
Jennifer Creasey works for AARP, an organization backing the health insurance exchange.
"They'd be able to compare different plans and really find what works for them."
The website has been months in the making. The state and federal governments will be in charge, deciding which insurance companies can sign up and what kind of coverage each can offer.
"We think this will really provide a lot of people with access to more health insurance and hopefully make it more affordable because it could potentially create competition for the plans."
That's exactly what President Obama wants to see happen. He says everyone deserves to be insured at an affordable price. Governor Pat Quinn agrees.
"The worst form of injustice is not having access to decent healthcare. It is a fundamental right. It's not a privilege. It's a right."
The exchange won't just offer different coverage plans. It will also offer other features, like a tool to determine which insurance fits your needs and if you qualify for any tax exemptions.
"Being able to compare and contrast the different insurance products for each individual, I think is a great perk. They'll be able to get as much coverage as they want or as little as they want. So, this will provide a great opportunity to do that."
The website is still under construction, but there are some important dates to remember. Open enrollment starts October 1. Coverage kicks in January 1, 2014.
Also in 2014, those without insurance will have to pay a tax penalty. The federal government will help run the exchange for now.
Governor Quinn hopes the state can take total control by 2015, but that can't happen unless state lawmakers agree. So far, no bill has been filed, but reports show many republicans don't like the idea.
"This would really provide a place for individuals and small businesses to go and help them get health insurance."
Jennifer Creasey works for AARP, an organization backing the health insurance exchange.
"They'd be able to compare different plans and really find what works for them."
The website has been months in the making. The state and federal governments will be in charge, deciding which insurance companies can sign up and what kind of coverage each can offer.
"We think this will really provide a lot of people with access to more health insurance and hopefully make it more affordable because it could potentially create competition for the plans."
That's exactly what President Obama wants to see happen. He says everyone deserves to be insured at an affordable price. Governor Pat Quinn agrees.
"The worst form of injustice is not having access to decent healthcare. It is a fundamental right. It's not a privilege. It's a right."
The exchange won't just offer different coverage plans. It will also offer other features, like a tool to determine which insurance fits your needs and if you qualify for any tax exemptions.
"Being able to compare and contrast the different insurance products for each individual, I think is a great perk. They'll be able to get as much coverage as they want or as little as they want. So, this will provide a great opportunity to do that."
The website is still under construction, but there are some important dates to remember. Open enrollment starts October 1. Coverage kicks in January 1, 2014.
Also in 2014, those without insurance will have to pay a tax penalty. The federal government will help run the exchange for now.
Governor Quinn hopes the state can take total control by 2015, but that can't happen unless state lawmakers agree. So far, no bill has been filed, but reports show many republicans don't like the idea.
