In a recently published article, the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) announced that it has completed reviews and approvals of health insurance plans and rates for the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. This approval allows the selected insurers to continue the process to become certified by the federal government to participate in the Marketplace. Read the NCDOI announcement here.

The Health Insurance Marketplace will be accessible online and is a place where individuals, families and small employers can compare health insurance options and shop for coverage.

As of July 30, rates have been approved for three insurers that have indicated to NCDOI their intent to sell plans on the Marketplace. The insurers are: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Coventry Health Care of the Carolinas, and FirstCarolinaCare.

The Health Insurance Marketplace is scheduled to open for enrollment on October 1, 2013.

For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit www.healthcare.gov or call the federal Marketplace Consumer Call Center at 800-318-2596.