CHICAGO- "It pays to shop" is the message from the government, two days before the start of the third sign-up season under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

The Department of Health and Human Services released data Friday on next year's prices in the insurance markets established by the law. It said returning customers to HealthCare.gov can save, on average, $51 a month if they switch to the lowest-cost plan within their coverage level. Most can find a plan for $100 a month or less, after financial help from a tax credit.

To hear the administration tell it, there are deals galore. But experts say the monthly premium is only part of the story and consumers should examine the quality and coverage of health plans, as well as their prices.