# Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans; Exchange Standards for Employers
> **US Department of Health and Human Services** · Final rule, Interim final rule. · Published 2012-03-27 · Effective 2012-05-29 · 77 FR 18310
## Document
- **Document number:** 2012-6125
- **Category:** other
- **Sub-agency:** US Department of Health and Human Services
- **Federal Register citation:** 77 FR 18310
- **CFR reference:** 45 CFR 155
- **Publication date:** 2012-03-27
- **Effective date:** 2012-05-29
- **HHS docket:** CMS-9989-F
## Abstract

This final rule will implement the new Affordable Insurance Exchanges ("Exchanges"), consistent with title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, referred to collectively as the Affordable Care Act. The Exchanges will provide competitive marketplaces for individuals and small employers to directly compare available private health insurance options on the basis of price, quality, and other factors. The Exchanges, which will become operational by January 1, 2014, will help enhance competition in the health insurance market, improve choice of affordable health insurance, and give small businesses the same purchasing clout as large businesses.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/03/27/2012-6125/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-establishment-of-exchanges-and-qualified-health-plans)
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