Department of Labor Responds to Comments on the Proposed Summary of Benefits and Coverage Legislation

NOTE: On February 9, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) issued its final rule regarding the Summary of Benefits and Coverage provision. Please see HHS Issues Final Regulation on Summary of Benefits and Coverage - 2/10/12

November 17, 2011

SBC Overview

Health insurers and self-insured group health plans are required to provide a standard summary of benefits and explanation of coverage, glossary and coverage examples to individuals. Compliance was slated to begin on March 23, 2012.

 

On November 17, 2011, the Department of Labor (DOL) responded to comments received regarding its proposed regulations relating to the compliance of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirement that group health plans and health insurance issuers distribute Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) forms.

The DOL stated that “until final regulations are issued and applicable, plans and issuers are not required to comply with section 2715 of the Public Service Act” and that the final rule will be issued “as soon as possible.”

The DOL also noted that the Departments’ final regulations, once issued, will take into consideration the timing required to comply.

Visit the DOL website to read the response.

For additional information on the Summary of Benefits and Coverage, please read our white paper and our formal comments to HHS.

Be sure to bookmark InformedOnReform.com for the latest news and updates.

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