Departments Propose Regulations Updating SBC Requirements

Proposed regulations issued on December 22, 2014, by the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury (the Departments) update the rules regarding the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) required to be issued by employer group health plans and health insurance issuers under the Affordable Care Act. The proposed regulations:

Add a new coverage example to the SBC;
Provide guidance on SBC content requirements and enforcement;
Clarify when and how a plan or issuer must provide an SBC;
Streamline the SBC template;
Extend certain SBC safe harbors; and
Add new definitions to the Uniform Glossary.

The Departments have also released draft updated templates, instructions, and additional materials.