When Must Groups Comply with PPACA - 1/1/2014 or at Renewal?

[Ann H]

I can't find documentation about the timeline for in-force group plans to comply with PPACA. Must their plans be updated to include all EHB's and all PPACA rules on 1/1/2014, or will it be delayed until the first renewal date following 1/1/2014?

Oops - the thread title should have said "comply with PPACA" instead of "apply for PPACA"

 

[stuy119]

I thought it was the date of renewal, if not 1/1. Could be wrong.

I mentioned it in another thread, but it sounds as if some carriers will try early renewals for groups so that they will match up against a 1/1 implementation date, and to allow workers to compare apples to apples.

 

[bluediamond]

We're being told at BCBSFL time of renewal, but the way HHS adds, changes and tweaks it who really knows.

 

[Ann H]

I talked to my group renewal specialists from Humana and from United Healthcare to confirm this. They both agreed, that the 2014 changes to group plans will apply at the group's first renewal FOLLOWING 1/1/2014. One of the reps said that many groups are requesting an early renewal in November or December of 2013 so that their first renewal in 2014 is late in the year.

 

[stuy119]

I talked to my group renewal specialists from Humana and from United Healthcare to confirm this. They both agreed, that the 2014 changes to group plans will apply at the group's first renewal FOLLOWING 1/1/2014. One of the reps said that many groups are requesting an early renewal in November or December of 2013 so that their first renewal in 2014 is late in the year.

That's an outstanding point/sales strategy. Call up 1/1 renewal prospects, tell them about the advantage of an early renewal, and get in the door.

Brilliant!