Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act

This bill proposes amendments to the Internal Revenue Code to provide an exemption from the individual mandate to maintain health coverage. Specifically, it exempts individuals residing in counties where fewer than two health insurance issuers offer plans on a Health Insurance Exchange. This provision aims to relieve individuals in areas with limited market choice from the penalty for not having qualifying health coverage. The legislation also modifies the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act concerning health insurance coverage for federal officials. It expands the requirement for Members of Congress and congressional staff to obtain coverage through an Exchange to include the President, Vice President, and political appointees . A significant change is the elimination of any Government contribution for health insurance premiums for these individuals when they enroll in an Exchange plan. Additionally, it limits their eligibility for tax credits or reduced cost-sharing to amounts a similarly situated private individual would receive, and removes a Member of Congress's discretion over which staff are eligible for Exchange enrollment.