Starting on or after Nov. 30, 2016, customers will receive a revised Summary of Benefits Coverage template due to new, federal mandates. In April, the federal government announced key enhancements to the SBC template and Uniform Glossary. Some improvements include:
- An additional coverage example
- Language and terms to improve readability and consumers’ understanding of their health coverage
The following table shows the key changes:
Changes to 2017 SBC template | |
Element | What changed? |
Important Questions |
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Common Medical Events |
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Font |
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Number of Coverage Examples |
|
Definitions |
|
FAQ Page |
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Who is responsible for preparing and delivering the SBCs?
Issuers and groups have the same requirements to prepare and deliver the SBCs.
Group | Who prepares the SBCs? | Where are the SBCs/template(s)? |
Fully-funded | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network prepare SBCs for fully-funded groups. |
|
Self-funded | These groups are responsible for creating and providing the group’s SBCs. |
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To view sample SBCs, visit CMS.gov or click here.
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Photo Credit: Roger H. Goun