Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today announced the launch of a new one-stop website for consumers to get information on all coverage options and new patient protections under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. The website, www.HealthCare.gov, provides extensive information on navigating the health insurance market and clear timelines about when different parts of the legisl ation will be implemented.  

“This new website helps South Dakotans take control of their health care by connecting them with both public and private health insurance options available in our state,” Johnson said. “I encourage everyone to visit this easy-to-use site to learn more about the health care legislation that passed earlier this year.”

HealthCare.gov provides information on over 1,000 private insurance plans nationwide and new resources on public plans, from Medicaid to the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, to help consumers make health care decisions. The site also provides small business owners with assistance to make the best decisions for their business and their employees. 

Johnson was a strong supporter of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. South Dakotans are already beginning to see the immediate benefits of this legislation, including a ban on insurance companies dropping coverage for children because of a pre-existing condition, tax credits for small businesses to help them afford care for their employees, the creation of a temporary high-risk pool for adults with pre-existing conditions and expanding coverage to young adults until age 26. Johnson also has his own page on his website with additional information on the bill, http://johnson.senate.gov/public/?p=HowHealthCareReformHelpsYou.

###