States Now Have Until January 1, 2014 –
or Beyond
HHS Relaxes Health Plan Exchange Implementation Deadline
State Health Insurance Exchange implementation rules announced in June by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius include a cooling carrot for state leaders, who were sweating in summer heat over a January 1, 2013 deadline to have their exchanges up and running.
Now, in one of the worst heat waves in years, administrators might perspire a bit less. HHS is proposing to relax the previously strict 2013 date, allowing states conditional approval to extend their deadline to January 1, 2014 or beyond provided that the state demonstrates "advanced preparation" by that date.
The proposal rules reflect the Administration’s consultation with state leaders, consumer groups, employers and insurers. HHS is taking public comment on the proposed rules through August 25. So far, though, not everyone is satisfied.
The new rules set minimum standards for setting up a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), performing basic functions of the exchange, certifying health plans for participation in the exchange, and ensuring stable premiums.
The Administration offers to partner with states to make exchange development and operations more efficient. It would assist with business functions such as eligibility and enrollment, financial management, and health plan management. However, accepting federal help is not mandatory. States can choose to develop their exchanges themselves, as long as they meet the basic requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
After the proposal’s release, states and employer groups still questioned the costs of implementing and running exchanges. Karen Kerrigan is President and CEO of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), a nationwide small business advocacy, research, and networking organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship.
Kerrigan said that government conditions involve costs and complexities, even with added “flexibility,” that will make exchanges too expensive for some states to operate. For example, Kerrigan noted that each state exchange is required to operate and maintain a website allowing people to compare plans and pricing. Each state also must certify that its plan meets ACA requirements, and maintain and staff a toll-free number to assist callers who have questions.
Kerrigan pointed to a significant key item that ultimately affects the affordability of plans offered by exchanges. The “essential health package” has not been developed yet, but Kerrigan cautions that mandates could make the essential package too costly for many small businesses.
Instead, Kerrigan favors a system that would allow small businesses to shop nationally for the best and most affordable coverage. One-size-fits-all mandates from the federal government, she said, only limit choices and drive up costs.
or Beyond
HHS Relaxes Health Plan Exchange Implementation Deadline
State Health Insurance Exchange implementation rules announced in June by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius include a cooling carrot for state leaders, who were sweating in summer heat over a January 1, 2013 deadline to have their exchanges up and running.
Now, in one of the worst heat waves in years, administrators might perspire a bit less. HHS is proposing to relax the previously strict 2013 date, allowing states conditional approval to extend their deadline to January 1, 2014 or beyond provided that the state demonstrates "advanced preparation" by that date.
The proposal rules reflect the Administration’s consultation with state leaders, consumer groups, employers and insurers. HHS is taking public comment on the proposed rules through August 25. So far, though, not everyone is satisfied.
The new rules set minimum standards for setting up a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), performing basic functions of the exchange, certifying health plans for participation in the exchange, and ensuring stable premiums.
The Administration offers to partner with states to make exchange development and operations more efficient. It would assist with business functions such as eligibility and enrollment, financial management, and health plan management. However, accepting federal help is not mandatory. States can choose to develop their exchanges themselves, as long as they meet the basic requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
After the proposal’s release, states and employer groups still questioned the costs of implementing and running exchanges. Karen Kerrigan is President and CEO of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), a nationwide small business advocacy, research, and networking organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship.
Kerrigan said that government conditions involve costs and complexities, even with added “flexibility,” that will make exchanges too expensive for some states to operate. For example, Kerrigan noted that each state exchange is required to operate and maintain a website allowing people to compare plans and pricing. Each state also must certify that its plan meets ACA requirements, and maintain and staff a toll-free number to assist callers who have questions.
Kerrigan pointed to a significant key item that ultimately affects the affordability of plans offered by exchanges. The “essential health package” has not been developed yet, but Kerrigan cautions that mandates could make the essential package too costly for many small businesses.
Instead, Kerrigan favors a system that would allow small businesses to shop nationally for the best and most affordable coverage. One-size-fits-all mandates from the federal government, she said, only limit choices and drive up costs.
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