A number of recent health care reform plans call for the creation of a health
insurance "exchange," a new entity intended to create a more organized and
competitive market for health insurance by offering a choice of plans,
establishing common rules regarding the offering and pricing of insurance, and
providing information to help consumers better understand the options available
to them.
This brief explains the purpose and function of exchanges, how
they would relate to greater regulation of the insurance market, and some of the
key questions likely to be addressed by any health reform proposal that calls
for the creation of exchanges.
It is part of a series of briefs providing
an overview of key issues and concepts related to health reform.
Brief (.pdf)
