The May 13, 2016 Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final decision on 
t section 1557 of the affordable care Act (ACA). This section describes non-discrimination in the selection group health plans. The new regulations describe modifications to the list of protections provided by law and will affect some companies that offer benefit plans to employee health. Although this decision will not affect all businesses, it is important to know the facts so that your group health plan remains in compliance
HHS. Decision: The main changes
Section 1557 of the ACA prohibits the denial of health services in qualification group health plans on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender , age or disability. The new decision extends these protections to gender identity and those in transition. This means that people should be considered in accordance with their own gender identity and can not be services that would otherwise be denied to them.
The decision also extends protection to those who have English language deficit. Specifically, it states that employers with eligible group health plans "take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to people with limited English skills and are encouraged to develop language access plans." These employers are also required to publish a notice of their support services on the home page of their website.
these changes affect your business?
CLOSED most companies will not be affected by this decision. These rules will affect your business' group health plan if it "receive [s] federal funding or [is] administered by certain government entities, including a market administrator." the companies on this list include, but are not limited to, "hospitals, health clinics, health insurance issuers, state Medicaid agencies, community health centers, doctors' practices and health care organizations home health. "
It is important to note that wellness programs, health clinics, or long-term long-term care coverage is included in your health plan group, they are also subject to these regulations.
What can you do to stay in compliance?
most of these regulations come into force July 18, 2016; However, some of the most complicated parts that could involve the re-design of a group health plan extend the compliance date of 1 January 2017.
Make sure to read the complete final decision of HHS to to fully understand how these changes affect your business and what you can do to ensure your group health plan remains in compliance. If you would like assistance with the opinion posted on required language accessibility, HHS provides a sample on their website.
Conclusion
The new HHS decision on section 1557 extends the practice of non-discrimination to include gender identity and accessibility of the language. While these changes will not affect all group health plans, it is important to understand the rules so you can make changes if necessary. Make sure to refer to a complete stop for details.
Does the new ruling affects your business? If so, what changes do you do to stay in compliance? Let us know in the comments below!
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