Nov. 10--Healthcare.gov is open for window shopping.
Though open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act doesn't begin officially until Saturday, those who plan on obtaining insurance through the public exchanges can start to browse plans starting today at healthcare.gov/see-plans/.Enrollment extends through Feb. 15.
The federal website does not require browsers to register. Instead, it prompts people to enter a ZIP code and information about annual income, family size and whether or not family members smoke or are eligible for insurance through work or Medicare or Medicaid.
On Friday, officials announced that Illinois would have 410 plans available in 2015, more than double the 165 offered this year. Along with more options, however, comes generally higher premiums for the most popular plans. Premiums for the lowest-cost options in silver plans will rise 2.6 percent on average statewide, although rates in that category will vary widely, from a decrease of 5 percent to an increase of 12 percent, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance.
Three new insurers also will enter the marketplace next year, including IlliniCare Health Plan, Time Insurance and UnitedHealthcare of the Midwest.
Officials advise that people compare plans this year instead of automatically re-enrolling in the same plan, because there may be a comparable new plan this year with a lower rate hike -- or possibly even a lower premium. Consumers need to select a plan by Dec. 15 to avoid being automatically re-enrolled.
ehirst@tribune.com
@ellenjeanhirst
