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DC Health Link New Mobile App 1.0 Brings Health Insurance Resources to Consumers’ Smartphones

Thursday, March 6, 2014
The new mobile app will allow consumers to estimate tax credits, find enrollment centers and use GPS to locate nearby assisters or health insurance brokers while on the go.

Today the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (HBX) launched the first version of its new mobile app for iOS and Android mobile devices. DC Health Link App 1.0 is designed to be a resource for last minute shoppers. With three weeks left in open enrollment, the new app will drive traffic to in-person help and DCHealthLink.com – where consumers can shop and enroll in quality affordable health insurance. Uninsured people must enroll by March 31 or face a tax penalty.   

“DC Health Link App 1.0 is for people on the go looking for basic information about DCHealthLink.com. It is the quickest way to find an insurance broker or a DC Health Link Assister for in-person help,” said Mila Kofman, J.D., executive director of the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority. “We are already working on app 1.1 for small businesses and before the next open enrollment, plan to have app 2.0 that consumers can use to shop and enroll.”

The DC Health Link mobile app will be released in several stages. App 1.0 provides consumers with an easy, streamlined approach to using several key services now offered through the marketplace’s website such as a mobile cost calculator, events calendar, and GPS mapping feature that allows consumers to locate a DC Health Link assister or health insurance broker near their immediate location. Users can also access frequently asked questions, watch YouTube videos, contact trained experts, and share information about the DC Health Link mobile app through social media. 

DC Health Link App 1.1 will offer features specifically tailored for small businesses and their employees. Future releases may allow individuals, families and small businesses to browse health insurance plans and enroll in health coverage using their smartphone or mobile device.  The phased approach means that each release will benefit from user feedback and experience.   

DC Health Link YI Outreach Advisory Team -- Young Invincible (YI) in-person assisters, ages 18-35 -- worked with HBX staff on the concept and design of the mobile app.

“DC is a very diverse city with many YI’s - just like me - that rely on smart phones for just about everything, including health coverage information. The DC Health Link app links people to the help they need to get covered, all in the palm of their hand,” said Falasha Culpepper, a member of the DC Health Link YI Outreach Advisory Team and native Washingtonian.

Tristan Wilkerson, another member of the DC Health Link YI Outreach Advisory Team shared, “We know it’s critical to reach people where they live, work, pray and play, which is why DC Health Link creates unique partnerships to expand our ability to get DC covered. Now, DC Health Link has another user-friendly tool to help us better educate District residents.”

The current version of the DC Health Link mobile app is now available for Apple devices through the Apple App store and Android devices through the Google Play store. HBX is encouraging consumers to rate and provide feedback on the functionality of the DC Health Link mobile app.  Such feedback will help improve future releases.

DC Health Link YI Outreach Advisory Team is hosting a DC Health Link App Launch Party tonight at the popular Jin Lounge in the U Street area of DC. Residents and small business owners are invited for a demonstration of the app. Assisters and brokers will be available to provide help with enrollment.


Reporters are invited to a mobile app Press Q & A Teleconference and Mobile App Launch Party:

Reporter Mobile App Q & A Teleconference
Thursday, March 6, 2014 - 1:45 pm
To participate, press need to RSVP to [email protected] by 12:30 pm, March 6, 2014. Call-in information will be provided after RSVP has been received. 

Mobile App Launch Party
Thursday, March 6, 2014 - 5:30 pm - 8 pm
Jin Lounge
2017 14th Street, NW