The rules enhance the consumer shopping experience in a number of ways.\u00a0 For example, health insurance issuers must provide online access to a copy of the individual coverage policy for each plan or group certificate of coverage.\u00a0 And these documents must be made publicly available to all potential consumers prior to when a consumer applies, so they are clearly informed about what a plan will and will not offer.\u00a0 The final rules make few changes to the rules proposed in December 2014.<\/p>\n
In continuing the goal of providing clear and straightforward information to consumers about health plans available in their area, health insurance issuers and group health plans must still provide a brief SBC that includes coverage examples and a uniform glossary to consumers.\u00a0 Revisions to SBC, coverage examples and uniform glossary are anticipated to be finalized by January 2016 after the Departments utilize consumer testing and receive additional input from the public, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).\u00a0 The revisions will apply to SBCs for coverage beginning on or after January 1, 2017.
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