New CMS Regulations and Plans for the Marketplace Through 2019

By Dana Spector, Associate Managing Editor, AHC Media

Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the final annual Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for the 2017 coverage year, continuing its effort to provide secure opportunities for both consumers and insurers.

In a statement, CMS says it aims to “help consumers with surprise out-of-network costs at in-network facilities, provide consumers with notifications when a provider network changes, give insurance companies the option to offer plans with standardized cost-sharing structures, provide a rating on HealthCare.gov of each QHP’s relative network breadth (for example, “basic,” “standard,” and “broad”) to support more informed consumer decision-making, and improve the risk adjustment formula.”

The new provisions also outline the open enrollment periods for the next few years. Open sessions are anticipated to shorten as consumers and insurers acclimate to the HealthCare.gov Marketplace.

For more information on navigating the latest CMS guidelines, click here or just attend one of AHC Media’s webinars Maximize Your Money Under New CMS Regulations.