Ok, so cigna email I'm reading states that for IFP:
1. These SBC's must be sent out by 9/23/12 for all IFP plans
2. $1000 penalty if not sent, and these changes:
Differences between the proposed and final rules include:
1. These SBC's must be sent out by 9/23/12 for all IFP plans
2. $1000 penalty if not sent, and these changes:
Differences between the proposed and final rules include:
- Premium amounts are no longer mandatory on the SBC.
- If eligible for coverage but not yet enrolled, plans may send a paper postcard electronically or through regular mail to provide instructions for accessing the SBC online.
- “Best efforts” allowed for describing terms that do not lend themselves well to plain language; e.g., tiering for prescriptions and providers.
- Coverage examples illustrative of how plans would cover treatment and services were reduced from three medical scenarios to two (Having a baby and Managing type 2 diabetes).
- SBCs for group health plans may now be included with other documents (e.g., summary plan description) as long as it is “prominently displayed” at the beginning of the document.
