Auto-enrollment process for current #ACA Marketplace consumers

Family Voices will share more information as the ACA enrollment period approaches, but here is an announcement regarding auto-enrollment. Consumers are advised to check any new plans that become available to ensure they have the best coverage for their family.

CMS finalizes auto-enrollment process for current Marketplace consumers

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a policy today that provides current Health Insurance Marketplace consumers with a simple way to keep their current health insurance plan, while encouraging them to return to the Marketplace to ensure they are getting the best deal on their premiums and to shop for the plan that best fits their needs. These policies build on our efforts to enhance the consumer experience and make shopping for health care coverage as simple as possible.

“We are committed to providing a simple, familiar process for consumers to renew their coverage next year,” said CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.  “Consumers should use this time to evaluate their health needs, browse other options, and see if they qualify for additional financial assistance. However, consumers who are happy with their plan and have no changes to their income or family situation can be auto-enrolled in their same plan next year, similar to how it is done in the employer insurance market today.”

Consumers in the Federally-facilitated Marketplace will receive notices from the Marketplace shortly before open enrollment begins explaining the auto-enrollment process and how they can return to the Marketplace to see if they qualify for additional financial assistance and shop for plans. Consumers will also receive notices from their insurance company about their new 2015 premium and the amount they may save on their monthly bill with a premium tax credit.  

As part of the renewal process in the Federally-facilitated Marketplace, generally, if consumers do nothing, they will be auto-enrolled in the same plan with the same premium tax credit and other financial assistance, if applicable, as the 2014 plan year.  Consumers are encouraged to return to the Marketplace to make sure they are getting all the financial assistance they qualify for, and to shop for the plan that best suits their needs. Consumers whose 2013 tax return indicates that they had very high income, or who did not give the Marketplace permission to check updated tax information for annual eligibility redetermination purposes will get auto-enrolled without financial assistance if they do not return to HealthCare.gov.  This process will help provide continuity of coverage and safeguard taxpayer dollars.

The policies announced today give state-based Marketplaces the flexibility to propose unique approaches to this process that may better meet their specific state needs, while keeping a streamlined consumer experience the focus.

The final rule release today can be accessed here: http://www.ofr.gov/inspection.aspx