HealthCare.gov window-shopping begins; open enrollment kicks off Nov. 1

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this week launched the window-shopping feature at HealthCare.gov, which allows consumers to preview 2018 plans and prices for the federal health insurance exchange before open enrollment begins Nov. 1. The agency also announced new and updated features available to consumers, including streamlined ability to enroll in coverage directly through an online enrollment broker website, a “Help on Demand” function that enables consumers to select a time for an agent or broker to contact them for assistance, and, on a pilot basis, a new feature that lets consumers retain their place in line at the call center by requesting a call-back rather than waiting on hold. The Department of Health and Human Services plans to release an issue brief on the “premium landscape” for the 2018 health insurance exchange before open enrollment ends Dec. 15.