Agencies finalize 2017 template, glossary for health plan benefit summaries

The departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury yesterday released the final template, glossary and other materials that health plans will use to provide a Summary of Benefits and Coverage to applicants and enrollees effective April 1, 2017. According to HHS, the updated SBC includes coverage examples that demonstrate the cost sharing amounts an individual might be responsible for in three common medical situations: diabetes care, childbirth and foot fracture. The new templates also include more information about cost sharing, such as enhanced language to explain deductibles and a requirement that plans address individual and overall out-of-pocket limits in the SBC. The Affordable Care Act requires all health plans to use the same format and glossary for the SBC to help consumers compare plans when shopping for coverage.