Proposed Rule Would Update Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2022
Additional FAQs on the ARPA COBRA Subsidy
OSHA Will Not Amend COVID-19 Healthcare ETS After CDC Reversed Face Mask Guidance
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Proposed Rule Would Update Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2022
On July 1, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a proposed rule that would revise several benefit and payment parameters under the ACA for the 2022 benefit year. While many of the proposed changes primarily impact insurers and Exchanges, some provisions may affect employers.
- The rule proposes to repeal the Exchange direct enrollment option, which establishes a process for Exchanges to work directly with issuers, agents and brokers to operate enrollment websites through which consumers can apply for coverage, receive an eligibility determination and purchase a qualified health plan.
- For the 2022 coverage year and beyond, the rule proposes to lengthen the annual open enrollment period for coverage through all Exchanges to Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. The current annual open enrollment period runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.
- The rule proposes modifications to the Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver process, including changes to many of the policies and interpretations of the guardrails recently issued in the 2022 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, which provided more flexibility for states to apply for waivers from certain ACA provisions.
Additional FAQs on the ARPA COBRA Subsidy
On July 26, 2021, the IRS issued Notice 2021-46, providing additional guidance on the application of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) subsidy for continuation health coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) in the form of 11 questions and answers.
The Notice expands on prior guidance issued on May 18, 2021.
Background
The ARPA subsidy covers 100% of COBRA and state mini-COBRA premiums from April 1–Sept. 30, 2021, for certain assistance-eligible individuals whose work hours were reduced or whose employment was involuntarily terminated. The subsidy is funded via a tax credit provided to employers, insurers or group health plans, according to the terms of the statute
Q&A Topics
The questions addressed include:
- Subsidy availability to individuals eligible for an extension who had not elected it;
- Whether subsidies for vision or dental-only coverage ends due to eligibility for other coverage that does not include vision or dental benefits;
- Subsidy availability under a state statute that limits continuation coverage to government employees;
- Whether employers may claim the tax credit if the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchange requires employers to pay COBRA premiums; and
- Which party may claim the tax credit in situations involving parties other than an insurer or former common law employer providing the COBRA coverage.
OSHA Will Not Amend COVID-19 Healthcare ETS After CDC Reversed Face Mask Guidance
OSHA recently determined it will not be making changes to the healthcare emergency temporary standard (ETS) after reviewing the latest guidance, science and data on COVID-19, and the recently updated CDC face mask guidance. However, OSHA will continue to monitor and assess the need for changes monthly.
OSHA determined that neither the CDC’s guidance on health care settings nor the underlying science and data on COVID-19 in health care settings has materially changed in a way to necessitate changes in the June 10, 2021 ETS.
Revised CDC Guidance
The CDC recently announced updates to its face mask guidelines, recommending that fully vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public, indoor settings in areas where there is high or substantial COVID-19 transmission, including of the new coronavirus delta variant. Prior to this update, the CDC guidance allowed fully vaccinated individuals to stop wearing a mask in most settings.
OSHA’s Healthcare ETS
Since OSHA has not changed its requirements for the healthcare ETS, the face mask exceptions under the standard still apply. The healthcare ETS covers employers in various health care industries, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, emergency responders, home health workers and employees in ambulatory care settings where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated.
Next Steps
Health care employers should continue to monitor the OSHA website for updates on how changes in COVID-19 transmission affect agency policy and guidance. OSHA will continue to assess the need for changes monthly.
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