Feds Release Additional Guidance on Affordable Care Act's Summary of Benefits and Coverage Requirements

Author: Tracy Morley, XpertHR Legal Editor

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Treasury released a set of frequently asked questions announcing the availability of an updated Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) template and a new sample completed SBC. The updated SBC template and sample completed SBC are authorized for use with respect to plan coverage beginning on or after January 1, 2014, and before January 1, 2015 (referred to as the "second year of applicability").

The updated templates include the addition of statements as to whether a plan or coverage provides minimum essential coverage (MEC) and minimum value (MV). However, plans will not be required to use the new template in the second year of applicability provided that a cover letter or similar disclosure statement is furnished with the SBC stating whether the plan or coverage provides MEC and MV.

Additional Resources

Health Care Reform Resource Center