CMS has released two informational documents detailing 10 things providers need to know and another 10 things they should tell their patients about the new health insurance marketplace established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The document concerning what providers need to know defines the marketplace as central to the PPACA's primary goal of helping uninsured and eligible Americans gain access to care. Need-to-know marketplace facts for providers include the requirement that health plans offered through the marketplace have a set of essential benefits and the duration of the open enrollment period, which begins Oct. 1 and ends March 31, 2014. Providers also need to know that people can't be refused coverage or charged more because of their gender or a pre-existing condition.
In terms of what providers should tell their patients, CMS lists key facts such as the opening and closing dates for the open enrollment period, the opportunity to view and compare plan options online and the four ways to apply — by mail, online, phone or in person with the help of a trained assistant or navigator.
To view the full lists and get more information, visit marketplace.cms.gov.
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