Grandfathered status rules eased slightly

Regulators at the Departments of the Treasury (IRS), Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued an amendment to earlier guidance on grandfathered health plans, permitting plans to change insurers without losing grandfathered status (75 Fed Reg 70114, November 17, 2010). Under previous guidance, a group health plan would lose its grandfathered status if it changed insurers. This amendment permits a plan to keep its grandfathered status even when changing insurers, as long as no other disqualifying plan or contribution changes are made. Need a review on the grandfathered status rules? Check out Vigilant’s Health Care Reform Blog, or contact Kristine Cienfuegos.