Reform Alert - News from the Blues' Office of National Health Reform

HHS issues proposed guidance for the 2015 benefit year

Dec. 9, 2013

On Nov. 25, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance proposing changes to the annual open enrollment period and the qualified health plan (QHP) certification deadlines for the 2015 benefit year.

For the 2015 benefit year, the proposed annual open enrollment period is Nov. 15, 2014 through Jan. 15, 2015:


Proposed annual open enrollment period
Enroll For coverage effective
By Dec. 15, 2014 Jan. 1, 2015
Dec. 16, 2014 through Jan. 15, 2015 Feb. 1, 2015


Qualified individuals already enrolled in a QHP through the Marketplace in 2014 who maintain the same eligibility would have their coverage continue into 2015, but may choose to select new coverage at any time during the annual open enrollment period.

The annual open enrollment period for benefit years on or after 2016 is still Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 of the preceding calendar year, with coverage effective the first day of the following benefit year.

If finalized, the Marketplace is expected to delay 2015 QHP certification dates by at least one month.

HHS is currently seeking comments.

Where can I find more information?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will continue to monitor and advise when new information is received. Please visit our Reform Alerts webpage for the latest health care reform updates.

The information in this document is based on preliminary review of the national health care reform legislation and is not intended to impart legal advice. The federal government continues to issue guidance on how the provisions of national health reform should be interpreted and applied. The impact of these reforms on individual situations may vary. 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. As required by US Treasury Regulations, we also inform you that any tax information contained in this communication is not intended to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer to avoid penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.