Associated Press Release <\/p>\n
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR <\/p>\n
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Buying your own health insurance will never be the same. <\/p>\n
This fall, new insurance markets called exchanges will open in each state, marking the long-awaited and much-debated debut of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. <\/p>\n
The goal is quality coverage for millions of uninsured people in the United States. What the reality will look like is anybody's guess -- from bureaucracy, confusion and indifference to seamless service and satisfied customers. <\/p>\n
Exchanges will offer individuals and their families a choice of private health plans resembling what workers at major companies already get. The government will help many middle-class households pay their premiums, while low-income people will be referred to safety-net programs they might qualify for. <\/p>\n
Most people will go online to pick a plan when open enrollment starts Oct. 1. Counselors will be available at call centers and in local communities, too. Some areas will get a storefront operation or kiosks at the mall. Translation to Spanish and other languages spoken by immigrants will be provided. <\/p>\n
When you pick a plan, you'll no longer have to worry about getting turned down or charged more because of a medical problem. If you're a woman, you can't be charged a higher premium because of gender. Middle-aged people and those nearing retirement will get a price break: They can't be charged more than three times what younger customers pay, compared with six times or seven times today. <\/p>\n
If all this sounds too good to be true, remember that nothing in life is free and change isn't easy. <\/p>\n
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New Health Care Markets On The Way<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Associated Press Release By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR WASHINGTON (AP) -- Buying your own health insurance will never be the same. This fall, new insurance markets called exchanges will open in each state, marking the long-awaited and much-debated debut of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. The goal is quality coverage for millions of uninsured people in the United States Continue reading