The Affordable Care Act establishes Affordable Insurance Exchanges (Exchanges) to provide individuals and small business employees with access to health insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2014. 1 An Exchange is an entity that both facilitates the purchase of Qualified Health Plans (QHP) by qualified individuals and provides for the establishment of a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), consistent with Affordable Care Act 1311(b) and 45 CFR . Exchanges will provide competitive marketplaces for individuals and small employers to directly compare and purchase private health insurance options on the basis of price, quality, and other factors. Exchanges are.
