Updated Regulation to Facilitate Enrollment in Marketplace Plans for Those Losing Coverage

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters final rule [PDF], which is an updated regulation that applies to insurance plans sold through federally facilitated and state-based exchanges on the federal platform (commonly known as marketplace or exchange plans) for 2024. The rule includes changes intended to increase access to health care, help simplify enrollment, and strengthen coverage. These changes incorporate several of ASHA’s recommendations [PDF], specifically those that:

• eliminate exceptions to plans aligning with network adequacy standards;
• modify automatic re-enrollment procedures to preserve cost-sharing reductions;
• improve the plan selection process by simplifying choice;
• allow for a special enrollment period for individuals losing Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage; and
• allow door-to-door enrollment by navigators and other assisters.

ASHA favors maximizing pathways to equitable and comprehensive enrollment, coverage, and access of audiology and speech-language pathology services.

More information is included in the HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2023 Final Rule Fact Sheet.

Questions?

For questions about Health Insurance Marketplace Plans, please contact Rebecca Bowen at rbowen@asha.org.