HHS' Easy Decision Database

Sorting through health insurance options is no picnic. Too many choices, not enough easy-to-find information.

Well, the Health and Human Services Department is building a Web portal to help individuals and small businesses narrow their options for affordable insurance, reports Government Health IT. The database, detailed in a rule recently published in the Federal Register to take effect on May 10, will include information on health coverage options from health insurance issuers, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), high-risk pools created by the health reform law and coverage within the small group market for small businesses, according to the report.

The initial portal, which must be up and running by July 1, will include details such as types of services, provider networks, contact phone numbers and Web site links for each plan. A second launch in October will add pricing and benefits information, and quality and performance data will be added over time.

What do you think? Will this database generate enough interest and demand for complete information? Will users really feel that their questions have been answered?