Equal Healthcare Access Act

To modernize the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Equal Healthcare Access Act 2. Access to Federal health insurance (a) In general Subpart G of part III of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating chapters 89A and 89B as chapters 89B and 89C, respectively; and (2) by inserting after chapter 89 the following: 89A Health insurance for non-Federal employees Sec. 8921. Definitions. 8922. Health insurance program. 8923. Contracting requirement. 8924. Eligibility to enroll. 8925. Exceptions to provisions incorporated by reference. 8926. Coordination and application provisions. 8921. Definitions For purposes of this chapter— (1) any term used in this chapter which is defined in section 8901 shall have the same meaning as is given such term under such section; and (2) the term Office 8922. Health insurance program (a) In general The Office shall administer a health insurance program for non-Federal employees in accordance with this chapter. (b) Regulations The Office shall prescribe regulations under which, except as otherwise provided in this chapter and to the maximum extent practicable, the provisions of chapter 89 shall be applied for purposes of carrying out this chapter. 8923. Contracting requirement The Office shall, not later than 9 months after the date of the enactment of the Equal Healthcare Access Act 8924. Eligibility to enroll (a) In general Any qualified individual may enroll in a health benefits plan under this chapter. (b) Qualified individual defined For purposes of this section, the term qualified individual 8925. Exceptions to provisions incorporated by reference Notwithstanding any other provision of law— (1) subscription charges for a health benefits plan under this chapter may differ between or among geographic regions; and (2) an employer may, under arrangements satisfactory to the Office— (A) offer coverage under this chapter to its employees; and (B) make a contribution toward the cost of such coverage. 8926. Coordination and application provisions (a) Coordination A health benefits plan under this chapter shall be deemed to be a health plan offered through an Exchange established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( Public Law 111–148 42 U.S.C. 18032 (b) Application (1) In general In the case of a qualified individual enrolled in a health benefits plan under this chapter— (A) for purposes of section 36B (B) for purposes of section 1402 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( 42 U.S.C. 18071 (2) Regulations The Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall prescribe regulations necessary to carry out this subsection. . (b) Clerical amendments The table of chapters for part III of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the item relating to chapter 89A, by striking 89A 89B (2) in the item relating to chapter 89B, by striking 89B 89C (3) by inserting after the item relating to chapter 89 the following: 89A. Health Insurance for Non-Federal Employees 8921 .

Summary: Equal Healthcare Access Act - Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to administer a health insurance program for non-federal employees under the existing Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Extends eligibility for such program to any qualified individual (i.e., any individual other than an individual who is enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in FEHB, including as a family member). Authorizes employers, under arrangements satisfactory to OPM, to: (1) offer their employees coverage under such program, and (2) make a contribution toward the cost of such coverage. Deems a health care plan under such program to be a plan offered through an Exchange established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act for purposes of complying with the individual mandate to purchase health insurance.