CCIIO Releases Final Rule on Exchange Functions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) released last week the final rule on eligibility of exemptions and miscellaneous minimum essential coverage provisions for the Affordable Care Act’s health benefit exchanges. The rule finalizes provisions on how eligibility will be determined and hardship exemption certificates granted. The rule also clarifies that those individuals ineligible for Medicaid solely based on a state’s decision not to expand its Medicaid program will qualify for a hardship exemption. In addition, the rule addresses special enrollment periods for individuals who lose eligibility for the hardship exemption in a given year. The final rule takes effect Aug. 26.