HHS Web site is database of public, private health insurance plans

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new Web site aimed at helping consumers access healthcare coverage. HealthCare.gov is the first central database of public and private health coverage options, according to the government.

"HealthCare.gov helps consumers take control of their healthcare and make the choices that are right for them by putting the power of information at their fingertips," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

The site has information about public programs, from Medicare to the new Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Plan, as well as more than 1,000 private insurance plans. It also is designed to be a "one-stop shop" for information about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and other healthcare resources.

Consumers can obtain information specific to their life situations and local communities. The Web site will include quality rankings for local healthcare providers as well as preventive services.

"This Web site is unlike any government Web site you have ever seen or used before," said Todd Park, HHS chief technology officer. "It was developed with significant consumer input and is remarkably easy to navigate. This is despite the sheer volume of content it offers consumers: billions of healthcare choices through the insurance finder and more than 500 pages of new content, all of which is designed to grow with ongoing consumer feedback and as our healthcare system improves."

In October, the site is expected to add price estimates for health insurance plans. Also in the future, information about illness prevention and healthcare quality improvement will be posted.