2019 new ican policy

You're referring to the 2019 changes to the Individual Coverage Association (ICA) policy!

In 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made some significant changes to the ICA policy, which affects the way health insurance plans are structured and priced. Here's a brief summary:

Key changes:

  1. ICA plans are no longer required to cover all Essential Health Benefits (EHBs): Prior to 2019, ICA plans were required to cover all 10 EHBs, which are a set of essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Starting in 2019, ICA plans are no longer required to cover all EHBs, which means they can offer more limited coverage options.
  2. ICA plans can have higher out-of-pocket costs: With the removal of the EHB requirement, ICA plans can now have higher out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
  3. ICA plans can have more limited provider networks: ICA plans can now have more limited provider networks, which means that patients may have fewer options for healthcare providers.
  4. ICA plans can have more flexible plan designs: With the removal of the EHB requirement, ICA plans can now offer more flexible plan designs, including the ability to offer plans with different levels of coverage and cost-sharing.

Impact on consumers:

The changes to the ICA policy may affect consumers in several ways:

  1. More affordable options: ICA plans may offer more affordable options for consumers who are looking for lower-cost health insurance plans.
  2. More limited coverage options: However, ICA plans may also offer more limited coverage options, which could leave some consumers with higher out-of-pocket costs or fewer healthcare provider options.
  3. Increased complexity: The changes to the ICA policy may also increase complexity for consumers, who may need to navigate more plan options and coverage levels.

Overall, the changes to the ICA policy aim to provide more flexibility and affordability for health insurance plans, while also giving consumers more options to choose from. However, it's essential for consumers to carefully review their plan options and coverage levels to ensure they have the right coverage for their healthcare needs.