The Transparency in Coverage final rule was issued in October of 2020 by the HHS, DOL, and Department of the Treasury. These rules require non-grandfathered group health plans (both fully insured and self-insured) to disclose information regarding in-network and out-of-network allowed amounts for billed services. The ultimate goal of the legislation is to reveal in real time the cost of health care services.
Implemented in Phases
The first phase of compliance requires the posting of three Machine-Readable Files (MRF) that disclose the cost of healthcare services. These are files that can be imported and read by computer systems. The three files disclose the following data:
- In-Network Rate (negotiated rates with contracted providers)
- Out-of-Network Allowed Rates (billed charges and allowed amounts)
- In-Network Prescription Drug File
These files must be updated monthly and must be accessible without login credentials or fees to access the files. The In-Network and Out-of-Network files must be posted and accessible by July 1, 2022. The prescription drug file has been delayed until further notice. It should be noted that the format of these files is not something that is decipherable at the consumer level.
The second phase will include the rollout of an online cost estimator tool which will provide consumers with cost share estimates for all covered services. The first round of the consumer level disclosure requirement is effective January 1, 2023 and reflects a list of 500 designated services. The final phase will require costs for all services to be disclosed. This last phase is effective January 1, 2024.
Fully Insured Plans – No Action Required
For those employer groups with fully insured plans, it is the responsibility of the insurance carrier to comply with the MRF requirements. Vita is in the process of confirming that all insurance carriers will be in compliance with this requirement.
Self-Insured Plans – Action Required for July 1, 2022
Employers that offer self-insured health plans must take action to comply with these requirements. The specific requirement is to post somewhere on their public website a link to the MRF. Employers will be able to determine where, on their website, this file is posted as long as it is publicly facing and does not require login credentials. The requirements state that anyone in the United States should be able to locate this link.
Employers should start working with IT resources now to ensure compliance by the July 1 deadline.
Next Steps
Vita clients with self-insured plans will receive an email with additional instructions based on the specifics of the health plans in place and recommendations on verbiage to assist in the process.
Vita will continue to monitor the developments of the cost estimator tool and post further updates as information is solidified.
