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10 <br />Will the temporary high-risk pool last indefinitely? <br />No-the temporary high-risk pool will terminate on January 1, 2014 when the state-based health benefit exchanges aze <br />created. At that time, individuals receiving coverage through the temporary high-risk pool will be able to obtain coverage <br />through the new health insurance exchanges, as all insurance plans will be required to cover all individuals with pre- <br />existing conditions. <br />State-Based Health Insurance Exchan es <br />What are state-based health insurance exchanges? <br />State-based health insurance exchanges are essentially regulated insurance marketplaces where individuals without <br />employer-sponsored health insurance can purchase coverage or small businesses can obtain coverage for their employees. <br />Initially the exchanges will primarily serve individuals purchasing coverage on their own and small employers. <br />How will the state-based health insurance exchanges be structured? <br />State-based exchanges for individuals will be called the American Health Benefit Exchanges, and exchanges for small <br />businesses will be called the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). States can decide to create a single <br />exchange that serves both individuals and small businesses, or offer coverage options through separate entities. <br />When will the state-based health insurance exchanges be implemented? <br />The American Health Benefit Exchanges and Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchanges will both be <br />created in 2014. <br />Are all individuals eligible to purchase coverage through the American Health Benefit Exchange? <br />No-only non-incarcerated U.S. citizens and legal immigrants will be able to purchase coverage through the American <br />Health Benefit Exchanges. <br />Is there funding available for states to create the exchanges? <br />Yes-funding is available to states for establishment of the exchanges within a year of enactment until January 1, 2015. <br />After then, states must ensure their exchanges aze self-sustaining. Funding for the exchanges can be generated by <br />charging participating insurers assessments or user fees. <br />How specifically will the state-based health insurance exchanges operate? <br />Beginning in 2014, individuals will be able to select and purchase health insurance coverage through the state-based <br />American Health Benefit Exchanges and small businesses with up to 100 employees will be able to purchase coverage for <br />their employees through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchanges. However, the law permits <br />states to limit exchanges to small businesses with 50 or fewer employees until January 1, 2016. <br />When and how will standards for the state-based health insurance exchanges occur? <br />In 2010 the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services will begin developing standards for both the <br />American Health Benefit Exchanges and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchanges. <br />How will the state-based health insurance exchanges be administered? <br />The exchanges will be administered by a governmental agency or non profit organization, to be determined by each state. <br />If a state elects to not establish an exchange by January 1, 2014, the HHS Secretary will establish and operate the <br />exchange in the state. <br />4 <br />