The Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool went live Oct. 10. It helps users determine how many tax credits they are eligible for if they purchase a plan through the exchange, compare plans by price and can even estimate users’ likely out-of-pocket costs based on their history of utilization.
Connect for Health officials hope the update will boost public perception of the state-run exchange, which customers criticized for lack of usability and customer service glitches.
Giving customers an estimated insurance cost that includes tax credits is particularly important this year, as subsidies can offset much of the hike in premium rates for individual plans.
“I think we’ve given the individuals much more power in their buying decisions than they’ve ever had,” Connect for Health CEO Kevin Patterson told Denver Business Journal. “I think there’s an ability for families to look at this tool and say, ‘If I can save money with it, I’d better use it.'”
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