The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Feb. 25 published a final rule on the definition of essential health benefits (EHB) and determining actuarial value in the individual and small group markets and on determining the minimum value standard for large employers. The rule is scheduled to take effect on April 26.  Key provisions of the final rule are highlighted in Washington Council Ernst & Young’s Legislative alert (PDF).

ABC as part of the Small Business Coalition for Affordable Healthcare, submitted comments Dec. 21, 2012, on the proposed rule regarding EHB and determining actuarial value. Those comments can be found in the Jan. 9 Newsline article.

Additional Resources on the final rule are available via the following links:

Additional Information on Essential Health Benefits Benchmark Plans

Actuarial Value Calculator

Actuarial Value Calculator Methodology

Minimum Value Calculator 

Minimum Value Calculator Methodology 

HHS press release

HHS Fact Sheet  

Nov. 2012 Proposed Rule Newsline Story