On April 18, 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published its final rule regarding Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) market stabilization. The rule amends standards relating to special enrollment periods, guaranteed availability, and the timing of the annual open enrollment period in the […]
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CMS’ Proposed Rule on ACA Market Stabilization
On February 17, 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to stabilize the health insurance market and address risks to the individual and small group markets. CMS proposes changes to guaranteed availability of coverage, network adequacy, essential community providers, open enrollment periods, special […]
Read moreQualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements and ERISA
Starting on January 1, 2017, certain small employers have the option to reimburse individual health coverage premiums up to a dollar limit through Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSE HRAs) under the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act). The Cures Act amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to exclude QSE […]
Read moreEnforcement Relief Extension for Higher Education Institutions Offering Student Premium Reduction Arrangements
On October 21, 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of the Treasury (Treasury) released an FAQ to extend enforcement relief for higher education institutions offering premium reduction arrangements to its students. Background The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits group health plans from having […]
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