On March 1, 2013, the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (“CCIIO”) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) released lengthy and detailed draft guidance regarding the federally facilitated exchanges (“FFEs”) that will operate in the 26 states that have chosen not to establish their own exchange or partner with CMS. Although the guidance was issued in draft form, CCIIO and CMS allowed only two weeks for the public to submit comments and, as described below, CMS intends to start accepting issuer applications to the FFEs on April 1, 2013. As such, it seems unlikely that the guidance will be materially revised.
In addition, the application form and instructions are available online for issuers that have notified CMS of their intention to submit and obtain a CMS Health Insurance Oversight System (“HIOS”) plan ID. The form is lengthy and requires the submission of extensive and detailed data. Therefore, it is important to start the process as early as possible to ensure that all information and data are loaded in a timely manner.
Please see full publication below for more information.