OVERVIEW
On April 14, 2017, the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) issued a market stabilization final rule under
the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The final rule includes new
reforms intended to help lower premiums, stabilize the
individual and small group health insurance markets and
increase choices for the 2018 plan year.
Specifically, the rule includes a variety of policy and
operational changes to existing standards to stabilize the
Exchanges, including changes to the annual open enrollment
period and special enrollment periods.
ACTION STEPS
The rule does not directly impact plans in the large group
market. Instead, it aims to stabilize the individual and small
group health insurance markets in light of pending changes
that may be made to the ACA.
The changes made under the final rule are effective for the
2018 plan year.
HIGHLIGHTS
The market stabilization final rule
includes new reforms intended to
stabilize the individual and small
group health insurance markets
for the 2018 plan year.
The rule makes changes to
existing standards that aim to
stabilize the Exchanges.
The rule does not directly impact
large group market plans.
