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HHS proposes new guidelines for Medicaid, CHIP, health insurance marketplaces

New Affordable Care Act rules proposed this week by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius set guidelines for eligibility notices and appeals in Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Exchanges, plus give states additional operational flexibility for Medicaid programs.

“Today, we are proposing a rule to provide Americans with access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and give states more flexibility to implement the law in a way that works for them,” Sebelius said in a press release.

The proposals give states more flexibility to design benefits and determine cost sharing under Medicaid. In addition, the proposals allow states to rely on HHS for verifying employer-sponsored health coverage and conducting some related appeals.

Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will provide Medicaid coverage for adults who earn up to 133% of poverty — $ 14,865 for individuals or $30,656 for a family of four.

According to the release, the new proposals will make it easier for consumers to determine if they are eligible for more affordable coverage through Medicaid or tax credits.