HHS Proposed Rules on Essential Health Benefits and Wellness Programs under the ACA | Practical Law

HHS Proposed Rules on Essential Health Benefits and Wellness Programs under the ACA | Practical Law

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has issued proposed rules to implement several key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including provisions about state health insurance exchanges, nondiscrimination in wellness programs and qualified health plans.

HHS Proposed Rules on Essential Health Benefits and Wellness Programs under the ACA

Practical Law Legal Update 3-522-5470 (Approx. 3 pages)

HHS Proposed Rules on Essential Health Benefits and Wellness Programs under the ACA

by PLC Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Published on 20 Nov 2012 • USA (National/Federal)
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has issued proposed rules to implement several key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including provisions about state health insurance exchanges, nondiscrimination in wellness programs and qualified health plans.
HHS has published proposed regulations to implement several key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including rules on the state health insurance exchanges, nondiscrimination standards for wellness programs and qualified health plan (QHP) accreditation. The proposed rules address:
  • Policies and standards on essential health benefits, including state benchmark selection, an accreditation timeline, cost-sharing requirements and enforcement. For more information regarding this proposed rule, review the fact sheet.
  • Implementing standards for nondiscriminatory employment-based wellness programs, including maximum permissible rewards and design alternatives. For more information regarding this proposed rule, review the fact sheet.
  • Guidance announcing URAC and the National Committee for Quality Assurance as recognized accrediting entities for purposes of QHP accreditation.
  • Policies on rate review, including fair insurance premiums, guaranteed availability and renewability, and risk pools.
PLC Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation is preparing detailed updates addressing the important take-aways for employer-sponsored plans from this proposed guidance. Check our Practice Center Page or sign up for PLC's RSS Feed to ensure you see the latest updates.