HR8207-118

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Choose Medicare Act.

2. Public health plan The Social Security Act is amended by adding at the end the following: Public health plans.— The Secretary shall establish public health plans (to be known as Medicare part E plans) that are available in the individual market, small group market, and large group market. Each Medicare part E plan, regardless of whether the plan is offered in the individual market, small group market, or large group market, shall be a qualified health plan within the meaning of section 1301(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18021(a)) that— meets all requirements applicable to qualified health plans under subtitle D of title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18021 et seq.) (other than the requirement under section 1301(a)(1)(C)(ii) of such Act) and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg et seq.); provides coverage of— the essential health benefits described in section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18022(b)); and all items and services for which benefits are available under title XVIII; provides gold-level coverage described in section 1302(d)(1)(C) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18022(d)(1)(C)); and provides coverage of abortions and all other reproductive services. Notwithstanding section 1303(a)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18023(a)(1))— a State may not prohibit a Medicare part E plan from offering the coverage described in paragraph (1)(D); and no provision of State law that would prohibit such a plan from offering such coverage shall apply to such plan. The Medicare part E plans offered in the individual and small group markets shall be offered through the Federal and State Exchanges, including the Small Business Health Options Program Exchanges (commonly referred to as the SHOP Exchanges). Any individual who is a resident of the United States, as determined by the Secretary under subparagraph (C), and who is not an individual described in subparagraph (B), is eligible to enroll in a Medicare part E plan. An individual described in this subparagraph is any individual who is— entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under title XVIII; eligible for medical assistance under a State plan under title XIX; or enrolled for child health assistance or pregnancy-related assistance under a State plan under title XXI. The Secretary shall promulgate a rule for determining residency for purposes of subparagraph (A). Effective with respect to the first plan year that begins 1 year after the date of enactment of the Choose Medicare Act and each plan year thereafter, the Secretary shall provide options for Medicare part E plans in the small group market and large group market that are voluntary, and available to all employers. The Secretary, acting through the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, at the request of a plan sponsor, shall serve as a third-party administrator of a group health plan that is a Medicare part E plan offered by such sponsor. The Secretary shall develop a process for allowing individuals enrolled in a Medicare part E plan offered in the small group market or large group market to maintain health insurance coverage through a Medicare part E plan if the individual subsequently loses eligibility for enrollment in such a plan based on termination of the employment relationship. The ability to maintain such coverage shall exist regardless of whether the individual has the option to enroll in other health insurance coverage, including coverage offered in the individual market or through a subsequent employer. The Secretary shall establish premium rates for the Medicare part E plans that— are adjusted based on— whether the plan is offered in the individual market, small group market, or large group market; and the applicable rating area; are at a level sufficient to fully finance— the costs of health benefits provided by such plans; and administrative costs related to operating the plans; and comply with the requirements under section 2701 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg), including for such plans that are offered in the large group market. The Secretary shall establish a rate schedule for reimbursing types of health care providers furnishing items and services under the Medicare part E plans at rates that are consistent with the negotiations described in paragraph (2) and are necessary to maintain network adequacy. The Secretary shall negotiate the rates described in paragraph (1) in a manner that results in payment rates that are not lower, in the aggregate, than rates under title XVIII, and not higher, in the aggregate, than the average rates paid by other health insurance issuers offering health insurance coverage through an Exchange. A health care provider that is a participating provider of services or supplier under the Medicare program under title XVIII on the date of enactment of the Choose Medicare Act shall be a participating provider for Medicare part E plans. The Secretary shall establish a process to allow health care providers not described in subparagraph (A) to become participating providers for Medicare part E plans. The limitations on balance billing pursuant to the provisions of section 1866(a)(1)(A) shall apply to participating providers for Medicare part E plans in the same manner as such provisions apply to participating providers under the Medicare program. The Secretary shall, as applicable, utilize alternative payment models, including those described in section 1833(z)(3)(C), as added by section 101(e)(2) of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–10), in making payments for items and services (including prescription drugs) furnished under Medicare part E plans. The payment rates under such alternative payment models shall comply with the requirement for negotiated rates under subsection (e)(2). The Secretary shall apply the provisions of part E of title XI to prescription drugs under Medicare part E plans in the same manner as such provisions apply with respect to selected drugs under part E of title XI. For purposes of establishing the Medicare part E plans, there is appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise obligated, $2,000,000,000, for fiscal year 2025. There is appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise obligated, such sums as may be necessary, based on projected enrollment in the Medicare part E plans in the first plan year in which such plans are offered, to provide reserves for the purpose of paying claims filed during the initial 90-day period of such plan year. Any provision of law restricting the use of Federal funds with respect to any reproductive health service shall not apply to funds appropriated under paragraph (1) or (2). With respect to any Medicare part E plan, the Secretary shall be considered a health insurance issuer, within the meaning of section 2791(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–91(b)). Section 5000D(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Such term shall apply to any drug treated in the same manner as a drug described in the preceding sentence by reason of section 2201(g) of the Social Security Act.. 2201.Title XXII—Medicare part E public health plansPublic health plans.—(a)EstablishmentThe Secretary shall establish public health plans (to be known as Medicare part E plans) that are available in the individual market, small group market, and large group market.(b)Benefits(1)In generalEach Medicare part E plan, regardless of whether the plan is offered in the individual market, small group market, or large group market, shall be a qualified health plan within the meaning of section 1301(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18021(a)) that—(A)meets all requirements applicable to qualified health plans under subtitle D of title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18021 et seq.) (other than the requirement under section 1301(a)(1)(C)(ii) of such Act) and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg et seq.);(B)provides coverage of—(i)the essential health benefits described in section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18022(b)); and(ii)all items and services for which benefits are available under title XVIII;(C)provides gold-level coverage described in section 1302(d)(1)(C) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18022(d)(1)(C)); and(D)provides coverage of abortions and all other reproductive services.(2)PreemptionNotwithstanding section 1303(a)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18023(a)(1))—(A)a State may not prohibit a Medicare part E plan from offering the coverage described in paragraph (1)(D); and(B)no provision of State law that would prohibit such a plan from offering such coverage shall apply to such plan.(c)Eligibility; enrollment(1)Availability on the ExchangesThe Medicare part E plans offered in the individual and small group markets shall be offered through the Federal and State Exchanges, including the Small Business Health Options Program Exchanges (commonly referred to as the SHOP Exchanges).(2)Eligibility(A)In generalAny individual who is a resident of the United States, as determined by the Secretary under subparagraph (C), and who is not an individual described in subparagraph (B), is eligible to enroll in a Medicare part E plan.(B)ExclusionsAn individual described in this subparagraph is any individual who is—(i)entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under title XVIII;(ii)eligible for medical assistance under a State plan under title XIX; or(iii)enrolled for child health assistance or pregnancy-related assistance under a State plan under title XXI.(C)RegulationsThe Secretary shall promulgate a rule for determining residency for purposes of subparagraph (A).(3)Employer-sponsored plans(A)Employer enrollmentEffective with respect to the first plan year that begins 1 year after the date of enactment of the Choose Medicare Act and each plan year thereafter, the Secretary shall provide options for Medicare part E plans in the small group market and large group market that are voluntary, and available to all employers.(B)Group health plansThe Secretary, acting through the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, at the request of a plan sponsor, shall serve as a third-party administrator of a group health plan that is a Medicare part E plan offered by such sponsor.(C)Portability for employer-sponsored plansThe Secretary shall develop a process for allowing individuals enrolled in a Medicare part E plan offered in the small group market or large group market to maintain health insurance coverage through a Medicare part E plan if the individual subsequently loses eligibility for enrollment in such a plan based on termination of the employment relationship. The ability to maintain such coverage shall exist regardless of whether the individual has the option to enroll in other health insurance coverage, including coverage offered in the individual market or through a subsequent employer.(d)PremiumsThe Secretary shall establish premium rates for the Medicare part E plans that—(1)are adjusted based on—(A)whether the plan is offered in the individual market, small group market, or large group market; and(B)the applicable rating area;(2)are at a level sufficient to fully finance—(A)the costs of health benefits provided by such plans; and(B)administrative costs related to operating the plans; and(3)comply with the requirements under section 2701 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg), including for such plans that are offered in the large group market.(e)Providers and reimbursement rates(1)In generalThe Secretary shall establish a rate schedule for reimbursing types of health care providers furnishing items and services under the Medicare part E plans at rates that are consistent with the negotiations described in paragraph (2) and are necessary to maintain network adequacy.(2)Manner of negotiationThe Secretary shall negotiate the rates described in paragraph (1) in a manner that results in payment rates that are not lower, in the aggregate, than rates under title XVIII, and not higher, in the aggregate, than the average rates paid by other health insurance issuers offering health insurance coverage through an Exchange.(3)Participating providers(A)In generalA health care provider that is a participating provider of services or supplier under the Medicare program under title XVIII on the date of enactment of the Choose Medicare Act shall be a participating provider for Medicare part E plans.(B)Additional providersThe Secretary shall establish a process to allow health care providers not described in subparagraph (A) to become participating providers for Medicare part E plans.(4)Limitations on balance billingThe limitations on balance billing pursuant to the provisions of section 1866(a)(1)(A) shall apply to participating providers for Medicare part E plans in the same manner as such provisions apply to participating providers under the Medicare program.(f)Encouraging use of alternative payment modelsThe Secretary shall, as applicable, utilize alternative payment models, including those described in section 1833(z)(3)(C), as added by section 101(e)(2) of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–10), in making payments for items and services (including prescription drugs) furnished under Medicare part E plans. The payment rates under such alternative payment models shall comply with the requirement for negotiated rates under subsection (e)(2).(g)Prescription drugsThe Secretary shall apply the provisions of part E of title XI to prescription drugs under Medicare part E plans in the same manner as such provisions apply with respect to selected drugs under part E of title XI. (h)Appropriations(1)Start up fundingFor purposes of establishing the Medicare part E plans, there is appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise obligated, $2,000,000,000, for fiscal year 2025.(2)Initial reservesThere is appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise obligated, such sums as may be necessary, based on projected enrollment in the Medicare part E plans in the first plan year in which such plans are offered, to provide reserves for the purpose of paying claims filed during the initial 90-day period of such plan year.(3)ClarificationAny provision of law restricting the use of Federal funds with respect to any reproductive health service shall not apply to funds appropriated under paragraph (1) or (2).(i)Health insurance issuerWith respect to any Medicare part E plan, the Secretary shall be considered a health insurance issuer, within the meaning of section 2791(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–91(b))..

3. Notice and navigator referral for employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 Section 18B of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 218b) is amended— in the heading, by striking to and inserting and navigator referral for; by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and by inserting after subsection (a) the following: An employer described in paragraph (3) shall refer each full-time employee (as defined in section 4980H(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) to— an entity that serves as a navigator under section 1311(i) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(i)) for the Exchange operating in the State of the employer; or if the Exchange operating in the State of the employer does not have an entity serving as such a navigator, another entity that shall carry out equivalent activities as such a navigator. The referral described in paragraph (1) shall occur— at the time the employer hires the employee; or on the effective date described in subsection (c)(2) with respect to an employee who is currently employed by the employer on such date. An employer described in this paragraph is any employer that— does not provide an eligible employer-sponsored plan as defined in section 5000A(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or provides such an eligible employer-sponsored plan, but the plan is determined— to be unaffordable to the employee under clause (i) of section 36B(c)(2)(C) of such Code; or to not provide the required minimum value under clause (ii) of such section. in subsection (c), as so redesignated— in the heading, by striking Effective date and inserting Effective dates; by striking Subsection (a) and inserting the following: Subsection (a); by adding at the end the following: Subsection (b) shall take effect with respect to employers in a State beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of the Choose Medicare Act. Not later than January 1, 2029, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the impact of the requirements under section 18B of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 218b), including the amendments made by subsection (a), on the rate of individuals without minimum essential coverage as defined in section 5000A(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in the United States and in each State. Section 1311(i)(6) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(i)(6)) is amended— by striking Grants and inserting the following: Grants by adding at the end the following: There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to address capacity limitations of entities serving as navigators through a grant under this subsection. (b)Navigator referral(1)In generalAn employer described in paragraph (3) shall refer each full-time employee (as defined in section 4980H(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) to—(A)an entity that serves as a navigator under section 1311(i) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(i)) for the Exchange operating in the State of the employer; or(B)if the Exchange operating in the State of the employer does not have an entity serving as such a navigator, another entity that shall carry out equivalent activities as such a navigator.(2)ReferralThe referral described in paragraph (1) shall occur—(A)at the time the employer hires the employee; or(B)on the effective date described in subsection (c)(2) with respect to an employee who is currently employed by the employer on such date.(3)EmployerAn employer described in this paragraph is any employer that—(A)does not provide an eligible employer-sponsored plan as defined in section 5000A(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or(B)provides such an eligible employer-sponsored plan, but the plan is determined—(i)to be unaffordable to the employee under clause (i) of section 36B(c)(2)(C) of such Code; or(ii)to not provide the required minimum value under clause (ii) of such section.; and (1)NoticeSubsection (a);; and (2)Navigator referralSubsection (b) shall take effect with respect to employers in a State beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of the Choose Medicare Act.. (A)In generalGrants; and (B)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to address capacity limitations of entities serving as navigators through a grant under this subsection..

4. Protecting against high out-of-pocket expenditures for Medicare fee-for-service benefits Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, in the case of an individual entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under part A or enrolled in part B, if the amount of the out-of-pocket cost-sharing of such individual for a year (beginning with 2026) equals or exceeds the annual out-of-pocket limit under subsection (b) for that year, the individual shall not be responsible for additional out-of-pocket cost-sharing incurred during that year. The amount of the annual out-of-pocket limit under this subsection shall be— for 2026, $6,700; or for a subsequent year, the amount specified in this subsection for the preceding year increased or decreased by the percentage change in the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the 12-month period ending with June of such preceding year. If any amount determined under paragraph (1)(B) is not a multiple of $5, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $5. Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), in this section, the term out-of-pocket cost-sharing means, with respect to an individual, the amount of the expenses incurred by the individual that are attributable to— deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments applicable under part A or B; or for items and services that would have otherwise been covered under part A or B but for the exhaustion of those benefits. Expenses incurred for items and services which are not covered under part A or B shall not be considered incurred expenses for purposes of determining out-of-pocket cost-sharing under paragraph (1). If an item or service is furnished to an individual under this title and is not furnished on an assignment-related basis, any additional expenses the individual incurs above the amount the individual would have incurred if the item or service was furnished on an assignment-related basis shall not be considered incurred expenses for purposes of determining out-of-pocket cost-sharing under paragraph (1). For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider expenses to be incurred by the individual without regard to whether the individual or another person, including a State program, an employer, a medicare supplemental policy, or other third-party coverage, has paid for such expenses. The Secretary shall (beginning in 2025) announce (in a manner intended to provide notice to all interested parties) the annual out-of-pocket limit under this section that will be applicable for the succeeding year. 1899C.Protection against high out-of-pocket expenditures(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of this title, in the case of an individual entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under part A or enrolled in part B, if the amount of the out-of-pocket cost-sharing of such individual for a year (beginning with 2026) equals or exceeds the annual out-of-pocket limit under subsection (b) for that year, the individual shall not be responsible for additional out-of-pocket cost-sharing incurred during that year.(b)Annual out-of-Pocket limit(1)In generalThe amount of the annual out-of-pocket limit under this subsection shall be—(A)for 2026, $6,700; or(B)for a subsequent year, the amount specified in this subsection for the preceding year increased or decreased by the percentage change in the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the 12-month period ending with June of such preceding year.(2)RoundingIf any amount determined under paragraph (1)(B) is not a multiple of $5, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $5.(c)Out-of-Pocket cost-Sharing defined(1)In generalSubject to paragraphs (2) and (3), in this section, the term out-of-pocket cost-sharing means, with respect to an individual, the amount of the expenses incurred by the individual that are attributable to—(A)deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments applicable under part A or B; or(B)for items and services that would have otherwise been covered under part A or B but for the exhaustion of those benefits.(2)Certain costs not included(A)Non-covered items and servicesExpenses incurred for items and services which are not covered under part A or B shall not be considered incurred expenses for purposes of determining out-of-pocket cost-sharing under paragraph (1).(B)Items and services not furnished on an assignment-related basisIf an item or service is furnished to an individual under this title and is not furnished on an assignment-related basis, any additional expenses the individual incurs above the amount the individual would have incurred if the item or service was furnished on an assignment-related basis shall not be considered incurred expenses for purposes of determining out-of-pocket cost-sharing under paragraph (1).(3)Source of paymentFor purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider expenses to be incurred by the individual without regard to whether the individual or another person, including a State program, an employer, a medicare supplemental policy, or other third-party coverage, has paid for such expenses.(d)Announcement of the annual out-of-Pocket limitThe Secretary shall (beginning in 2025) announce (in a manner intended to provide notice to all interested parties) the annual out-of-pocket limit under this section that will be applicable for the succeeding year..

5. Enhancement of premium assistance credit Clause (i) of section 36B(b)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking applicable second lowest cost silver plan and inserting applicable second lowest cost gold plan. Section 36B(c)(4)(C)(i)(I) of such Code is amended by striking second lowest cost silver plan and inserting second lowest cost gold plan. Subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 36B(b)(3) of such Code are each amended by striking silver plan each place it appears in the text and the heading and inserting gold plan. Section 36B(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— in subparagraph (A), by striking but does not exceed 400 percent, and by striking subparagraph (E). Subparagraph (A) of section 36B(b)(3) of such Code is amended by striking all that precedes the table in clause (iii)(II) and inserting the following: For purposes of paragraph (2), except as provided in clause (ii), the applicable percentage for any taxable year shall be the percentage such that the applicable percentage for any taxpayer whose household income is within an income tier specified in the following table shall increase, on a sliding scale in a linear manner, from the initial premium percentage to the final premium percentage specified in such table for such income tier: The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023. (A)Applicable percentageFor purposes of paragraph (2), except as provided in clause (ii), the applicable percentage for any taxable year shall be the percentage such that the applicable percentage for any taxpayer whose household income is within an income tier specified in the following table shall increase, on a sliding scale in a linear manner, from the initial premium percentage to the final premium percentage specified in such table for such income tier: .

6. Enhancements for reduced cost sharing Section 1402(b)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18071(b)(1)) is amended by striking silver level and inserting gold level. Section 1402(c)(2) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is amended to read as follows: The Secretary shall establish procedures under which the issuer of a qualified health plan to which this section applies shall further reduce cost-sharing under the plan in a manner sufficient to— in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is not less than 100 percent but not more than 133 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 94 percent of such costs; in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is more than 133 percent but not more than 150 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 92 percent of such costs; in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is more than 150 percent but not more than 200 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 90 percent of such costs; in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is more than 200 percent but not more than 300 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 85 percent of such costs; and in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is more than 300 percent but not more than 400 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 80 percent of such costs. Clause (i) of section 1402(c)(1)(B) of such Act is amended to read as follows: The Secretary shall ensure the reduction under this paragraph shall not result in an increase in the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan above— 94 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(A); 92 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(B); 90 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(C); 85 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(D); and 80 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(E). The amendments made by this section shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2024. (2)Additional reductionThe Secretary shall establish procedures under which the issuer of a qualified health plan to which this section applies shall further reduce cost-sharing under the plan in a manner sufficient to—(A)in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is not less than 100 percent but not more than 133 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 94 percent of such costs;(B)in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is more than 133 percent but not more than 150 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 92 percent of such costs;(C)in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is more than 150 percent but not more than 200 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 90 percent of such costs;(D)in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is more than 200 percent but not more than 300 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 85 percent of such costs; and(E)in the case of an eligible insured whose household income is more than 300 percent but not more than 400 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, increase the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan to 80 percent of such costs.. (i)In generalThe Secretary shall ensure the reduction under this paragraph shall not result in an increase in the plan’s share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan above—(I)94 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(A);(II)92 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(B);(III)90 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(C);(IV)85 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(D); and(V)80 percent in the case of an eligible insured described in paragraph (2)(E)..

7. Reinsurance and affordability fund Part 5 of subtitle D of title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is amended by inserting after section 1341 (42 U.S.C. 18061) the following: The Secretary, in consultation with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, shall establish a program to enable each State, for any plan year beginning in the 3-year period beginning January 1, 2025, to— provide reinsurance payments to health insurance issuers with respect to individuals enrolled under individual health insurance coverage offered by such issuers; or provide assistance (other than through payments described in paragraph (1)) to reduce out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, premiums, and deductibles, of individuals enrolled under qualified health plans offered in the individual market through an Exchange. There is appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $30,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2025 to 2027 for purposes of establishing and administering the program established under this section. Such amount shall remain available until expended. 1341A.Reinsurance and affordability fund for the individual market in each State(a)In generalThe Secretary, in consultation with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, shall establish a program to enable each State, for any plan year beginning in the 3-year period beginning January 1, 2025, to—(1)provide reinsurance payments to health insurance issuers with respect to individuals enrolled under individual health insurance coverage offered by such issuers; or(2)provide assistance (other than through payments described in paragraph (1)) to reduce out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, premiums, and deductibles, of individuals enrolled under qualified health plans offered in the individual market through an Exchange.(b)AppropriationsThere is appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $30,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2025 to 2027 for purposes of establishing and administering the program established under this section. Such amount shall remain available until expended..

8. Expanding rating rules to large group market Section 2701(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg(a)) is amended— in paragraph (1), by striking small; and by striking paragraph (5). The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to plans offered in the first plan year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act and any plan year thereafter.

9. Protection of consumers from excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates Section 2794 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–94) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a State from imposing requirements (including requirements relating to rate review standards and procedures and information reporting) on health insurance issuers with respect to rates that are in addition to the requirements of this section and are more protective of consumers than such requirements. In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and consumer groups. The Secretary shall determine, after the date of enactment of this subsection and periodically thereafter, the following: In which markets in each State the State insurance commissioner or relevant State regulator shall undertake the corrective actions under paragraph (4), based on the Secretary’s determination that the State insurance commissioner or relevant State regulator is adequately undertaking and utilizing such actions in that market. In which markets in each State the Secretary shall undertake the corrective actions under paragraph (4), in cooperation with the relevant State insurance commissioner or State regulator, based on the Secretary’s determination that the State is not adequately undertaking and utilizing such actions in that market. In accordance with the process established under this section, the Secretary or the relevant State insurance commissioner or State regulator shall take corrective actions to ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected prior to implementation, or as soon as possible thereafter, through mechanisms such as— denying rates; modifying rates; or requiring rebates to consumers. Failure to comply with any corrective action taken by the Secretary under this subsection may result in the application of civil monetary penalties described in subparagraph (B) and, if the Secretary determines appropriate, make the plan involved ineligible for classification as a qualified health plan. The provisions of section 1128A of the Social Security Act, other than subsection (a) and (b) and the first sentence of subsection (c)(1) of such section, shall apply to civil monetary penalties under this paragraph in the same manner as such provisions apply to a penalty or proceeding under section 1128A of the Social Security Act. The provisions of subparagraph (C) of section 2723(b)(2) shall apply to civil monetary penalties under this paragraph in the same manner as such provisions apply to a penalty under such section. Section 2794 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–94) is further amended— in subsection (a)— in the subsection heading, by striking premium and inserting rate; in paragraph (1), by striking unreasonable increases in premiums and inserting potentially excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates, including premiums,; and in paragraph (2)— by striking an unreasonable premium increase and inserting a potentially excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rate; by striking the increase and inserting the rate; and by striking such increases and inserting such rates; and in subsection (b)— in the subsection heading, by striking Premium and inserting Rate; by striking premium increases each place it appears and inserting rates; in paragraph (1)— in the paragraph heading, by striking Premium Increase and inserting Rate; and in subparagraph (B), by striking excessive or unjustified and inserting excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory; and in paragraph (2)— in the paragraph heading, by striking Premium Increases and inserting Rates; and in subparagraph (B), by striking premium and inserting rate. Section 1311(e)(2) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(e)(2)) is amended by striking excessive or unjustified premium increases and inserting excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates. Section 1251(a)(5) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18011(a)(5)) is amended— by striking Sections 2799A–1 and inserting the following: Sections 2799A–1 by adding at the end the following: Section 2794 of the Public Health Service Act shall apply to grandfathered health plans for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and shall be implemented with respect to health plans beginning not later than January 1, 2025. (e)Protection from excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates(1)Authority of StatesNothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a State from imposing requirements (including requirements relating to rate review standards and procedures and information reporting) on health insurance issuers with respect to rates that are in addition to the requirements of this section and are more protective of consumers than such requirements.(2)Consultation in rate review processIn carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and consumer groups.(3)Determination of who conducts reviews for each StateThe Secretary shall determine, after the date of enactment of this subsection and periodically thereafter, the following:(A)In which markets in each State the State insurance commissioner or relevant State regulator shall undertake the corrective actions under paragraph (4), based on the Secretary’s determination that the State insurance commissioner or relevant State regulator is adequately undertaking and utilizing such actions in that market.(B)In which markets in each State the Secretary shall undertake the corrective actions under paragraph (4), in cooperation with the relevant State insurance commissioner or State regulator, based on the Secretary’s determination that the State is not adequately undertaking and utilizing such actions in that market.(4)Corrective action for excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory ratesIn accordance with the process established under this section, the Secretary or the relevant State insurance commissioner or State regulator shall take corrective actions to ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected prior to implementation, or as soon as possible thereafter, through mechanisms such as—(A)denying rates;(B)modifying rates; or(C)requiring rebates to consumers.(5)Noncompliance(A)In generalFailure to comply with any corrective action taken by the Secretary under this subsection may result in the application of civil monetary penalties described in subparagraph (B) and, if the Secretary determines appropriate, make the plan involved ineligible for classification as a qualified health plan.(B)Civil monetary penalties(i)In generalThe provisions of section 1128A of the Social Security Act, other than subsection (a) and (b) and the first sentence of subsection (c)(1) of such section, shall apply to civil monetary penalties under this paragraph in the same manner as such provisions apply to a penalty or proceeding under section 1128A of the Social Security Act.(ii)AmountThe provisions of subparagraph (C) of section 2723(b)(2) shall apply to civil monetary penalties under this paragraph in the same manner as such provisions apply to a penalty under such section.. (A)In generalSections 2799A–1; and (B)Ensuring that consumers get value for their dollarsSection 2794 of the Public Health Service Act shall apply to grandfathered health plans for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2025..

10. Sense of Congress It is the sense of the Congress that— the Federal Government, acting in its capacity as an insurer, employer, or health care provider, should serve as a model for the Nation to ensure coverage of all reproductive services; and all restrictions on coverage of reproductive services in the private insurance market should end.