Look for a Revised Summary of Benefits and Coverage Template
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 |
|
| Common Medical Events |
|
| Font |
|
| Number of Coverage Examples |
|
| Definitions |
|
| FAQ Page |
|
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. |
|
To view sample SBCs, visit CMS.gov or click here.
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- Changes to Important Documents for Receiving and Understanding Health Benefits
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Photo Credit: Roger H. Goun