Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to classify health marketplace pools as “employers” for the purpose of offering group health plans and insurance.
Defines “health marketplace pools” and outlines their eligibility to provide group health plans or insurance coverage.
Establishes requirements for health marketplace pools, including:
Formation in good faith to create a risk pool for offering health coverage.
Non-discrimination in membership based on health status.
Mandates that health marketplace pools must offer group health plans or insurance to all members at rates established by the pool or associated health insurance issuers.
Allows for the inclusion of dependents in the offered coverage.
Prohibits discrimination in coverage offered to members of the health marketplace pool.
Permits health marketplace pools to provide administrative services such as accounting and billing.
Allows for the offering of drug coverage, including over-the-counter drugs, either as part of a broader health plan or as the sole benefit.
Clarifies that participation in a health marketplace pool does not create an employer or joint employer relationship under federal or state law, except for the purpose of offering health coverage.
Defines “dependent” in accordance with state law for the purposes of health coverage.
Includes conforming amendments to various sections of ERISA to reflect the new provisions regarding health marketplace pools.
