On March 5, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its 2015 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters Final Rule. The final rule describes payment parameters applicable to the 2015 benefit year and standards relating to the:
- Premium stabilization programs (Reinsurance Program);
- Open enrollment period for 2015; and
- Annual limitations on cost-sharing.
Among other provisions, the final rule also implements patient safety standards for qualified health plans (QHPs) offered in the Exchanges and includes standards related to the employee choice and premium aggregation provisions in federally-facilitated Small Business Health Options Programs (SHOPs).