Exchange Functions in the Individual Market: Eligibility Determinations; Exchange Standards for Employers

"This proposed rule would implement certain functions of the
new Affordable Insurance Exchanges (``Exchanges''), consistent with
title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as
amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010,
referred to collectively as the Affordable Care Act. The Exchanges will
provide competitive marketplaces for individuals and small employers to
directly compare available private health insurance options on the
basis of price, quality, and other factors. The Exchanges, which will
become operational by January 1, 2014, will help enhance competition in
the health insurance market, improve choice of affordable health
insurance, and give small businesses the same purchasing clout as large
businesses. The specific Exchange functions proposed in this rule
include: Eligibility determinations for Exchange participation and
insurance affordability programs and standards for employer
participation in SHOP."

-From the text of the Proposed Rule