Resources

On December 16, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a bulletin on the essential health benefits. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information and solicit comments on the regulatory approach that HHS plans to propose to define essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act.  This primer document describes the key features of the essential health benefits described in the bulletin.

On July 15, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule to implement the Exchanges, which 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.

On August 17, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule regarding specific Exchange functions, including eligibility determinations for Exchange participation and insurance affordability programs and standards for employer participation in SHOP. Comments were due to HHS by October 31, 2011.

On August 22, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a proposed rule on the summary of benefits and coverage and the uniform glossary. These proposed regulations relate to the disclosure of the summary of benefits and coverage and the uniform glossary for group health plans and health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.