HHS Web Portal Coming
Last week, HHS released information on its Web portal, to be established by July 1, 2010, to help individuals and small businesses identify affordable coverage options in their states. Because of the short timeframe for establishing the portal, HHS will launch it in two phases.
Phase I – Launched July 1, 2010
Basic information on each plan offered by insurance carriers will be provided on the Web portal. Information such as Plan name, what type of plan (individual or group), geographic availability, and links to further information/brochures/formularies will be required at this time. The Web portal will also provide information on Medicaid, CHIP and high risk pools.
Phase II – Launched in October
More detailed information on each plan is required from insurers by September 3, 2010, and will include information regarding premiums, rating methods, benefits and cost-sharing. Insurers will be required to submit information on their plans that have at least one percent of the insurers total enrollment for each market type in a zip code that is open for enrollment. We are currently evaluating the plans we provide to determine which ones will be included on the Web portal.
Future phases of the HHS portal will require insurers to display additional information, including percent of policies that are rescinded; percent of claims denied; and the number of appeals on denials to insure, pay claims and provide pre-authorizations.