CMS adds enforcement flexibility for exchanges' COVID-19-related payment decisions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday issued an FAQ to outline COVID-19-related payment and grace period flexibilities for issuers offering coverage on the federally-facilitated exchanges and state-based exchanges on the federal platform. The agency says it will “exercise enforcement discretion” if issuers extend premium payment deadlines and delay cancellations or terminations of coverage for non-payment of premiums, assuming these are done with the permission of applicable state regulatory authorities. CMS also is encouraging state-based exchanges to take a similar approach. CMS also released the following FAQs:

• Availability and Usage of Telehealth Services Through Private Health Insurance Coverage
• Prescription Drugs and the COVID-19 for Issuers Offering Health Insurance Coverage in the Individual and Small Group Markets