HHS launches call center, website for benefits exchange education

On Monday, President Barack Obama's administration introduced HeatlhCare.gov, a new website aimed at helping people across the country prepare for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The site is part of the Health Insurance Marketplace education campaign, which also opened a 24-hour call center to help residents enroll in their states' insurance exchanges and eventually shop for purchase healthcare benefits.

A press release issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explained that the website and call center are expected to inform consumers of their healthcare options and ensure they choose plans that meet their needs.

"The re-launched Healthcare.gov and new call center will help consumers prepare for the new coverage opportunities coming later this year," said Marilyn Tavenner, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator. "In October, HealthCare.gov will be the online destination for consumers to compare and enroll in affordable, qualified health plans."

HHS also stated that a Spanish-language site will be updated to include the same information as healthcare.gov. Both sites will be optimized for mobile devices and include a chat feature to allow users to get their questions answered in real time.

Meanwhile, the call center, which people will be able to contact by dialing the toll free number 1-800-318-2596, will allow users to talk to representatives in more than 150 languages.