Public Option Deficit Reduction Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Jan 15, 2013)
Public Option Deficit Reduction Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care.
Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option, (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates, (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan, and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years.
Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option.
Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.
What just happenedJan 18, 2013
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseJan 15, 2013
- Jan 18, 2013Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Jan 15, 2013IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Jan 15, 2013IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jan 15, 2013IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House