Policies Renewed Under Extended Transitional Policy Must End by December 31, 2019

A previously extended transitional policy which allows health insurance issuers, at their option, to continue group coverage that would otherwise be terminated or canceled has been further extended to policy years beginning on or before October 1, 2019, provided that all policies end by December 31, 2019. Health insurance issuers that renew coverage under the extended policy are required to provide standard notices to affected small businesses for each policy year.

Policies subject to the transitional relief will not be considered to be out of compliance with key Affordable Care Act provisions, including:

• The requirement to cover a core package of items and services known as essential health benefits;
• The requirement that any variations in premiums be limited with regard to a particular plan or coverage to age, tobacco use, family size, and geography;
• The requirements regarding guaranteed availability and renewability of coverage; and
• The requirements relating to coverage for individuals participating in approved clinical trials.