Health Care Reform Update

Since our last newsletter update, we have received an updated date for implementation of the Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary provision as well as updated guidelines for this implementation. The new effective date is September 23, 2012. Dean Health Plan (DHP) is currently putting together a plan to implement these notices in order to meet the fall deadline. We will provide a more detailed overview of the process and timelines as they relate to your renewing and new business as soon as we can.  

DHP is also working on implementation of the Women’s Services portion of the Preventive Services provision which, by regulation, is required to take effect upon renewal in August 2012. Similar to the first round of Preventive Services implementation which began in late 2010/early 2011, the women’s provision does not introduce entirely new covered services for most health plans (including DHP), but it removes the member cost-sharing component that the majority of plans have on services like oral contraceptives. We are anticipating that this change will have a cost impact on plans as they renew. We are finalizing the estimated pricing impact and will have this information available for you and your clients prior to August renewal delivery.   

Finally, we are also currently assessing the essential benefits and actuarial value bulletins that outline potential changes that might be required to our small group and individual benefit offerings by 2014.* Since there are only regulatory proposals available at this time, much of this work involves assessment of the options.  We will continue to provide you with updates as we receive more definitive guidance or develop more formalized product or benefit changes that will impact new business or renewing plans in the future. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.