The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), together with other federal agencies, continues to address questions from group health plans and issuers regarding the new summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) notice requirements under Health Care Reform. The new requirements are scheduled to become effective for plan years and open enrollment periods beginning on or after September 23, 2012.
New FAQs Provide Clarification on SBC Requirements
A new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) builds upon previously released questions and answers to clarify issues related to timing, electronic delivery, combining benefit package information from multiple issuers, penalties and other issues regarding the SBC requirements.
Corrected SBC Template and Related Materials
Additionally, updated versions of the SBC template and related materials are now available for use by plans and issuers, and replace the prior versions issued in February 2012.
- The updated materials correct typographical errors in the original versions and also include certain appearance modifications to ensure the SBC is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- According to the FAQs, plans and issuers may use either version, or may make similar modifications to their own SBCs, without violating the SBC appearance requirements.
You may review the new set of FAQs in its entirety from the DOL. For more on the Affordable Care Act and the SBC notice requirements, including previously released questions and answers, please visit our Health Care Reform section.
You might also be interested in reading: 2013 Contribution Limits and Minimum Deductibles for Health Savings Accounts, 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Employee Performance Reviews or New Guidance on Retirement Plan Fee Disclosure Rules