Government office aims to help consumers navigate health care reform

April 27, 2011

The former Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, a federal unit responsible for implementing key provisions of health reform on behalf of consumers, dusted off new letterhead after undergoing a name change in January.

The newly named Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) will be working within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It previously was housed under the Department of Health and Human Services.

The unit will be leading many of the changes being made under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Its role will be to:

• Establish and enforce various standards for the health insurance market 
• Provide consumers with information about health coverage options through an Internet portal and other communications 
• Conduct the external appeals process for states that do not have such systems in place 
• Implement and enforce the new rules for medical loss ratio standards and the insurance premium rate review process 
• Direct the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan program, the Early Retiree Reinsurance program and the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan program 
• Develop and implement standards for state-based health insurance exchanges while maintaining the federal exchange 

Click here for more information about CCIIO.

 

The information on this website is based on BCBSM's review of the national health care reform legislation and is not intended to impart legal advice. Interpretations of the reform legislation vary, and efforts will be made to present and update accurate information. This overview is intended as an educational tool only and does not replace a more rigorous review of the law's applicability to individual circumstances and attendant legal counsel and should not be relied upon as legal or compliance advice. Analysis is ongoing and additional guidance is also anticipated from the Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, some reform regulations may differ for particular members enrolled in certain programs such as the Federal Employee Program, and those members are encouraged to consult with their benefit administrators for specific details.