In order to make informed insurance purchases in the Exchange, consumers and employers need to be educated about their rights and responsibilities.

*Milestone details:

*Full name: Develop a strategy for educating consumers and employers about their rights and responsibilities regarding the Exchange.

*Relevance to the ACA:

The ACA establishes a number of rights and responsibilities for both consumers and employers that relate to the Exchange. Applicable sections include:

§1002 - Creates grants for offices of health insurance consumer assistance or health insurance ombudsman. These grant funded offices must educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities regarding group health plans and health insurance coverage.

§1311 - Requires the Exchange to consult with educated health care consumers, small business representatives, state Medicaid offices and advocates for hard to reach populations relevant to carrying out the required activities of the Exchange.

§1312 - Establishes consumers’ right to choose an insurance plan in or outside of the Exchange.

§1501 - Requires individuals to maintain minimum essential coverage or face a tax penalty, unless they qualify for a financial or religious exemption.

§1511 - Establishes employer responsibilities, including automatic enrollment for employers with over 200 employees; notification to employees of their coverage options and eligibility status for tax credit and voucher programs; and penalty payments for certain large employers that do not offer health insurance.