Appendix B-Section 1103

APPENDIX B: SECTION 1103 OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
SEC. 1103. IMMEDIATE INFORMATION THAT ALLOWS CONSUMERS TO
IDENTIFY AFFORDABLE COVERAGE OPTIONS.
(a) INTERNET PORTAL TO AFFORDABLE COVERAGE OPTIONS.—
(1) IMMEDIATE ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than July 1,
2010, the Secretary, in consultation with the States, shall establish
a mechanism, including an Internet website, through which
a resident of any State may identify affordable health insurance
coverage options in that State.
(2) CONNECTING TO AFFORDABLE COVERAGE.—An Internet
website established under paragraph (1) shall, to the extent
practicable, provide ways for residents of any State to receive
information on at least the following coverage options:
(A) Health insurance coverage offered by health insurance
issuers, other than coverage that provides reimbursement
only for the treatment or mitigation of—
(i) a single disease or condition; or
(ii) an unreasonably limited set of diseases or
conditions (as determined by the Secretary);
(B) Medicaid coverage under title XIX of the Social
Security Act.
(C) Coverage under title XXI of the Social Security
Act.
(D) A State health benefits high risk pool, to the extent
that such high risk pool is offered in such State; and
(E) Coverage under a high risk pool under section
1101.
(b) ENHANCING COMPARATIVE PURCHASING OPTIONS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a standardized
format to be used for the presentation of information
relating to the coverage options described in subsection (a)(2).
Such format shall, at a minimum, require the inclusion of
information on the percentage of total premium revenue
expended on nonclinical costs (as reported under section 2718(a)
of the Public Health Service Act), eligibility, availability, premium
rates, and cost sharing with respect to such coverage
options and be consistent with the standards adopted for the
uniform explanation of coverage as provided for in section 2715
of the Public Health Service Act.
(2) USE OF FORMAT.—The Secretary shall utilize the format
developed under paragraph (1) in compiling information concerning
coverage options on the Internet website established
under subsection (a).
(c) AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT.—The Secretary may carry out
this section through contracts entered into with qualified entities.