Proposed Rule Would Update Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2022

On July 1, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a proposed rule that would revise several benefit and payment parameters under the ACA for the 2022 benefit year. While many of the proposed changes primarily impact insurers and Exchanges, some provisions may affect employers.

 

  • The rule proposes to repeal the Exchange direct enrollment option, which establishes a process for Exchanges to work directly with issuers, agents and brokers to operate enrollment websites through which consumers can apply for coverage, receive an eligibility determination and purchase a qualified health plan. 
  • For the 2022 coverage year and beyond, the rule proposes to lengthen the annual open enrollment period for coverage through all Exchanges to Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. The current annual open enrollment period runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. 
  • The rule proposes modifications to the Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver process, including changes to many of the policies and interpretations of the guardrails recently issued in the 2022 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, which provided more flexibility for states to apply for waivers from certain ACA provisions.

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