PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 9, 2015
Public Option Deficit Reduction Act
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer a public health insurance option, which is a health benefits plan available through Exchanges that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that HHS's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care.
Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Requires HHS to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option, (2) collect data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates, (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan, and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years.
Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option.
Authorizes HHS to use innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.
People & committees
Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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