In March of 2010, the Federal Health Care Act was signed into law. The law includes a variety of mandates and one-size-fits-all requirements regarding insurance coverage, health care choices, and health care costs.
Among the many mandates forced onto states as part of the law, Section 1311 requires each State to establish an American Health Benefits Exchange (“Exchange”) or leave it to the federal government to operate. The exchange is required to: 1) facilitate the purchase of qualified health plans; 2) provide for the establishment of a Small Business Health Options Program (“SHOP Exchange”) designed to assist qualified employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in qualified health plans; and 3) meet other mandates specified in the federal health care law.
As Ohio continues to evaluate its options regarding Exchange planning, this website will provide Ohioans with updates. Comments or questions are welcome and encouraged to ExchangeComments@insurance.ohio.gov.