Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a rule that intends to stabilize the individual and small group health insurance markets. The rule is virtually unchanged from the HHS’s original proposal in February. The Big “I” submitted comments to the HHS on the proposed rule in March.
The rule changes special enrollment periods, the annual open enrollment period, guaranteed availability, network adequacy rules, essential community providers and actuarial value requirements. The HHS also announced upcoming changes to the qualified health plan certification timeline.
The rule includes the following key provisions that may impact independent insurance agents and brokers:
Wyatt Stewart is Big “I” senior director of federal government affairs.