What is the main goal of health insurance marketplaces (HIMs) as defined by the ACA?

The primary objective of health insurance marketplaces (HIMs) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to create a competitive insurance market that offers comprehensive coverage to consumers. This environment allows various insurance providers to present their plans, which enables consumers to compare different options based on coverage, cost, and other factors.

While providing easy comparative information on health plans is certainly part of the functions of HIMs, the overarching goal is to foster competition among insurers. This not only aims to reduce overall costs but also to ensure that a wide range of comprehensive coverage options are available that meet the diverse needs of consumers. Therefore, the emphasis on creating a robust competitive market for health insurance emphasizes both availability and quality of coverage.