What is the main purpose of the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange?

The main purpose of the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange is to facilitate the purchase of health insurance. This platform was established to provide individuals, families, and small businesses with access to affordable health insurance options. By creating a centralized marketplace, the exchange helps consumers compare different health plans, understand the coverage available to them, and determine their eligibility for various financial assistance programs. This aim is particularly important in light of the changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act, which increased the emphasis on making health insurance accessible and affordable for all.

Promoting healthy lifestyles, providing free healthcare services, or managing state health care facilities are not the core functions of the exchange. The focus is specifically on enabling consumers to make informed choices regarding their health insurance coverage, which ultimately supports the broader goal of improving overall public health.