With the open enrollment period in full bloom, this may be a good time for health plan sponsors to consider whether the proposed Choose Medicare option would fit into their insurance matrix going forward.

The Choose Medicare Act, introduced in the Senate by Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), would expand the federal government's insurance programs by creating a new public option based on the Medicare model. Specifically, it is designed to extend affordable coverage to those in concentrated markets who currently either go without health coverage or are forced to take a costly version due to a lack of options.

For employers, it would represent another plan for employees seeking basic, affordable coverage. Small employers that previously didn't offer coverage, or only offered coverage with multiple barriers to access, would be able to include it in a benefits package without adding to their cost structure.