<!–:en–>STANDARDIZED HEALTH PLAN SUMMARIES COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS<!–:–>

A new requirement for providing standardized summaries of health coverage options offered by group health plans and insurers could lead to confusion and lawsuits from plan participants and beneficiaries, according to practitioners interviewed by BNA. A proposed rule that appeared in the Aug. 22 Federal Register would require group health plans and insurers to provide four-page summaries in a standardized format and a separate glossary that defines insurance terms so that plan participants and consumers can compare the cost
and coverage of various options available to them. Participant litigation almost certainly can be expected if the summaries do not match other information employers are required to provide under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act, one source said. 09-12-2011. Bureau of National Affairs, Bulletin to Management.