Window Shopping on Healthcare.gov and the State-Based Marketplaces: More Consumer Support Needed

This data brief examines the window-shopping experience that consumers encountered on each health insurance marketplace website during the first two weeks of the Affordable Care Act's second open enrollment period. The marketplaces have made some progress toward adopting the recommended "Top 5 Rules for Decision Support." Shoppers found plenty of sorting and filtering options, but insufficient information about providers and little true decision support. Although there is still a long way to go, there are grounds for optimism about further progress for the next open enrollment period.