S. 979 would amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed that would offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable, and accessible.
Detailed Summary
Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2009 or the SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
Establishes a Small Business Health Board to monitor the implementation of the program and make recommendations for improvements.
Requires the Administrator of the program to: (1) enter into contracts with health insurance issuers to provide health insurance coverage under this Act; and (2) enter into agreements with entities to serve as navigators to provide information about the program, provide referrals to applicable agencies for any grievance, complaint, or question, and assist in enrollment.
Requires a participating employer to ensure that each eligible employee has an opportunity to enroll in a plan.
Sets forth requirements for health plans offered under this Act. Requires the Administrator to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to study: (1) the rating requirements that apply to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in the states and to develop recommendations concerning rating requirements; and (2) the administrative procedures that apply to the program and to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in states.
Sets forth premium-setting rules for plans under this Act.
Allows a state to prohibit participation in this program if the state offers alternative health benefit plans.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small employers for qualified employee health insurance expenses under this Act.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 5/5/2009: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
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