ACA Changes Again!

November 14, 2013

Certain Individual and Small Group Health Plans Granted Extra Year to Comply with Reform Law

President Obama announced today that insurers may renew certain individual and small group health plans for 2014 without having to comply with new Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014. Eligible policies include those with an effective date between January 1 and October 1, 2014 that would have otherwise been terminated.

According to the President, this change is “targeted” to those individuals who are in these policies today; it does not allow the sale of non-compliant plans to people not currently in plans.

With this decision, state governors and insurance commissioners may allow insurers to continue to offer plans that may have otherwise been cancelled until the end of 2014.

Insurers that elect to take advantage of the transitional policy are required to:

Notify enrollees about ACA requirements that are not met by the coverage they are renewing
Notify enrollees about the new health plan options and tax credits available on the public Marketplaces to those who qualify
Cigna’s Position

Cigna is already working with all of our comprehensive individual medical customers to give them the choice of keeping their present plans.

Cigna’s Starbridge and Fundamental Care limited-benefit programs are not eligible for extension under this guidance. We are continuing to sunset these programs on December 31, 2013, as previously communicated.

Cigna is not active in the Small Group market.

This document is for general informational purposes only. While we have attempted to provide current, accurate and clearly expressed information, this information is provided “as is” and Cigna makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness. The information provided should not be construed as legal or tax advice or as a recommendation of any kind. External users should seek professional advice from their own attorneys and tax and benefit plan advisers with respect to their individual circumstances and needs.

“Cigna” and the “Tree of Life” logo are registered service marks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by Cigna Corporation and its operating subsidiaries. All products and services are provided by or through such operating subsidiaries and not by Cigna Corporation. Such operating subsidiaries include Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Cigna Behavioral Health, Inc., Cigna Health Management, Inc., and HMO or service company subsidiaries of Cigna Health Corporation and Cigna Dental Health, Inc.

© 2013 Cigna

Cigna : 900 Cottage Grove Road : Bloomfield, CT 06002

For more information you can contact Shane Moore at shane@valleyemployeebenefits.com

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