Two new proposals were recently issued. One is a proposed rule that sets standards for premium rates and guaranteed availability and renewability of health care plans. The second is a notice of a proposed rulemaking on incentives for nondiscriminatory wellness programs; the health care law prohibits plans from discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions but gives plans discretion to reward individuals' healthy behaviors -- such as not smoking -- with incentives such as lower premiums.
The NRA is in the process of fully reviewing and drafting comments on these regulations. Health insurance market
proposed rule (published in 11/26 Federal Register, with a 30-day comment period); wellness program notice of
proposed rulemaking (published in 11/26 Federal Register, with a 60-day comment period).
