Final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2021

On May 7, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) filed its final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2021. This final rule describes benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that apply for the 2021 benefit year.

Highlights

• Updated annual limitations on cost-sharing: The finalized 2021 maximum annual limit on cost sharing is $8,550 for self-only coverage and $17,100 for other than self-only coverage.
• The individual mandate’s affordability exemption: The finalized 2021 required contribution percentage is 8.27%.
• Special enrollment periods (SEPs) in the Exchanges: The final rule revises certain existing rules related to SEPs.
• In addition, HHS did not finalize any changes to the current automatic re-enrollment process discussed in the proposed rule, after receiving opposition to these proposed changes during the comment period.

Action Steps for Employers

Employers should review the fact sheet provided by HHS.

If you have questions related to this update, please contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? No problem. We’ll help you find one.

This regulatory update is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice.