On August 22, 2011, HHS and the Departments of Labor and Treasury published two proposed rules designed to help consumers understand and evaluate their health insurance options, as mandated by the ACA. The first rule would require health plans and issuers to provide consumers with a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) under circumstances set forth in the proposed rule. Health plans and issuers would be required to provide notice at least 60 days before any significant modification is made in the plan or coverage during the year. The regulation also would establish a uniform glossary of terms commonly used in health insurance coverage (e.g., coinsurance, deductible, excluded services, out-of-network). Second, the Departments have proposed templates and instructions to be used in making required disclosures under the SBC rule. Comments on both proposals are due by October 21, 2011.
