HHS announces expansion of health coverage access through new hardship guidance

The Department of Health and Human Services Sept. 4 announced new hardship exemption guidance that would allow consumers ineligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions to enroll in catastrophic health coverage. Consumer eligibility will be based on projected annual household income. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services made this change in light of the significant anticipated rise in individual market premiums and the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of the year.