Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans

This proposed rule would implement the new Affordable Insurance Exchanges (``Exchanges''), consistent with title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-148) as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-152), referred to collectively as the Affordable Care Act. The Exchanges will provide competitive marketplaces for individuals and small employers to directly compare available private health insurance options on the basis of price, quality, and other factors. The Exchanges, which will become operational by January 1, 2014, will help enhance competition in the health insurance market, improve choice of affordable health insurance, and give small businesses the same purchasing clout as large businesses. A detailed Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis associated with this proposed rule is available at http://cciio.cms.gov under ``Regulations and Guidance.'' A summary of the aforementioned analysis is included as part of this proposed rule.

Agency Contact: Laurie McWright at (301) 492-4372 for general information matters. Alissa DeBoy at (301) 492-4428 for general information and matters related to part 155. Michelle Strollo at (301) 492-4429 for matters related to enrollment. Pete Nakahata at (202) 680-9049 for matters related to part 156.