2017 Healthcare Costs

Final 2017 Marketplace Guidance

Health and Human Services had released earlier this year the final version of its 2017 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters.  Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) this is issued annually. While the guidance is mostly relate dot the individual marketplace itt does, however, include several items relevant to employers and group health plans, specifically:

  • Annual limits for cost sharing (out-of-pocket limits)
  • Marketplace eligibility notifications to employers
  • Marketplace annual open enrollment period
  • Small Business Health Options (SHOP) Exchange

ANNUAL LIMITS FOR COST SHARING:

The annual out of pocket limits for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2017 are $7,150 for individual coverage and $14,300 for family coverage.  These cost sharing limits apply to in-network essential health benefits offered under non-grandfathered health plans, both fully and self-insured.  Annual deductibles, in-network co-insurance and other types of in-network cost sharing accumulate toward the out-of-pocket limit, including prescription drug copayments.  Not included are premium payments, out-of-network cost sharing and spending on non-essential health benefits.

MARKETPLACE ELIGIBILITY NOTIFICATIONS TO EMPLOYERS:

Beginning in 2017, the Marketplace will notify an employer as soon as possible when one of its employee’s first enrolls in subsidized Marketplace coverage.  Since some employers may be liable for a penalty under the ACA’s employer mandate when an employee qualifies for a subsidized Marketplace coverage, this change to a more proactive notification process will hopefully provide employers with the opportunity to work with CMS in cases where an improper subsidy has been provided.

MARKETPLACE ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, Healthcare.gov, for 2017 and 2018 will take place from November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017 and November 1, 2017 through January 31, 2018, respectively.

SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH OPTIONS (SHOP) EXCHANGE:

Beginning in 2017, small employers electing coverage in the SHOP Exchange will have the option of “vertical choice,” offering plans across all metal levels (platinum, gold, silver and bronze) from one insurer. States who opt out of the vertical choice option will continue to offer employers the choice of selecting health plans that are available at one single metal level of coverage.

Stay proactive and contact us today for a custmozied consult on how your organization can prepare  ahead  for ACA, Benefits, Payroll and HR  @ (855) 667-4621 or info@medicalsolutionscorp.com.

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