New Web site helps consumers navigate health insurance exchanges – National Consumers League

By Nikola Sirovica, Communications Intern Many Americans are confused about how to enroll in the new health insurance exchanges which will take effect on January 1, 2014.  A new resource will help you navigate options when registration begins on October 1, 2013.

The Obama administration last week kicked off the Health Insurance Marketplace education effort with a consumer-friendly Healthcare.gov Web site and a 24-hour-a-day consumer call center to help Americans sign up for private health insurance. The new tools will help consumers select the coverage that best suits their needs. Open enrollment for free or low-cost coverage available through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) begins October 1. Key features of the Web site include integration of social media, sharable content, and consumer-friendly information to help Americans find the right coverage for their budget. The new design allows consumers to access it from their desktops, smart phones, and other mobiles devices, and also features a web chat for those who need live assistance. By October, consumers will be able to create accounts, complete an online application, and shop for qualified health plans. As Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services Secretary, put it, “the Web site will make sure every American who needs health coverage has the information they need to make the choices that are right for themselves, their families, and their businesses.” Learn more about the Web site at www.HealthCare.gov. For Spanish speaking consumers, CuidadoDeSalud.gov, will be updated to match the information found in the new Web site. Customer service representatives are available for assistance via a toll-free number at 1-800-318-2596

Tread cautiously before investing in a college degree – National Consumers League

By Zoe Stahl, Food and Labor Policy Intern
As a college student, I have acutely felt the rising cost of tuition and the anxiety inherent in a rapidly changing job market. Like many others, I have begun to question the value of a college degree, but a recent study by the Department of Labor (DOL) left me feeling reassured in my decision.

In April, the unemployment rate for college graduates was 3.9 percent, while the rest of the workforce experienced a 7.5 percent unemployment rate.  In November 2010, when the unemployment rate for college graduates was at its highest during this economic downturn, it was at just 5.1 percent—a figure near to the jobless rate of high school graduates when the economy is healthy. However, not all college attendees or graduates enjoy these benefits. Students who enroll in for-profit colleges such as The University of Phoenix, Kaplan Colleges, National American University, and Alta Colleges, do not guarantee a higher quality of life for themselvesFor-profit colleges often charge prices just as high as their non-profit counterpart, however, their attendees and graduates—often lower-income, military, and minority students—do not enjoy the same success. They often are unable to secure jobs and, as a result, default on their loans. Luckily, there are available and accessible resources to help students make more informed decisions about where to attend college—making sure we get as much bang for our buck. Some available resources are the Department of Education’s College Scorecard, which provides graduation rates, average tuition and default rates for American colleges and universities. Another tool is Accredited Online Schools & Colleges, an online database of accredited colleges. Using the website will help you find credible schools that provide an education that will serve you well in the marketplace.  These resources will help make you a more informed consumer and ensure paying for a college degree is a smart investment!