Health Insurance Exchange
- Refers to a new "virtual marketplace" where individuals and small businesses can compare and purchase private and public insurance plans
- The government will regulate the exchange so that insurance companies can not discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, or charge widely varying amounts for similar coverage (However, companies will be able to set rates based on an individual's age)
- It has yet to be determined whether a separate Exchange will be setup within each state, or if a single Exchange will be offered nation-wide
- The American Health Benefit Gateway, proposed by the Senate HELP Committee, refers to state-based insurance exchanges for small employers