• The issuer provides the SBC upon request before application for coverage— If the issuer provides the SBC upon request before application for coverage, the requirement to provide an SBC upon application is deemed satisfied, and the issuer is not required to automatically provide another SBC upon application to the same entity or individual (provided there is no change to the information required to be in the SBC). However, if there has been a change in the information required to be included in the SBC, a new SBC that includes the changed information must be provided upon application (that is, as soon as practicable following receipt of the application, but in no event later than seven business days following receipt of the application).
• The terms of coverage are not finalized—If the plan sponsor is negotiating coverage terms after an application has been filed and the information required to be in the SBC changes, an updated SBC is not required to be provided to the plan or its sponsor (unless an updated SBC is requested) until the first day of coverage. The updated SBC is required to reflect the final coverage terms under the policy, certificate, or contract of insurance that was purchased.
These regulations finalize provisions in proposed regulations that were published on Dec. 30, 2014, in order to amend prior final regulations from Feb. 14, 2012. According to the Departments, the changes made by these final regulations are designed to improve consumers’ access to important health plan information and to provide clarification that will make it easier for group health plans and health insurance issuers to comply with the SBC requirement.
