Federal government extends option for keeping current plans in Ohio and West Virginia

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently extended the option for small employer groups to keep their current plans for two years - beginning on or before October 1, 2016.

Coventry HealthAmerica of Pennsylvania  was pleased to offer small employer groups (2 - 50 lives) in Pennsylvania with July through December 2014 plan renewal dates the option to renew existing plans. Now Coventry HealthAmerica of Ohio and Coventry  of West Virginia  is pleased to offer small employer groups (2 - 50 lives) in Ohio and West Virginia with September through December 2014 plan renewal dates the option to renew existing plans. This  offer is to keep the 2013 plan in place includes rates that are medically underwritten.

The 2013 plans also do not include all of the benefits that otherwise would be mandated in newer plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These differences mean your small group customers may be able to provide their employees with continuity of benefits for at least another year. Plans will continue to be updated with state-mandated benefits and other federally required benefits.

Next Steps 

You will receive information about this option prior to renewal dates via email or fax.  Eligible employers will receive an offer to renew their current plan in the mail. They will have a choice of either renewing their current coverage or starting a new plan that is compliant with 2014 ACA requirements. Brokers will receive the current plan renewal option. To avoid confusion, we are sending ACA-compliant renewals upon request only. If one of your small groups would like to see information about an ACA-compliant plan for 2014, please contact your Coventry account manager.

Groups will need to submit their election for either the current plan renewal option or an ACA-compliant plan to their Coventry account manager by the appropriate deadline listed in the table below. Otherwise, the policy will be automatically renewed with their current 2013 benefits, plus any other federal/state requirements.  

Timeframes and deadlines for current plan design renewal offer: