What the Transparency in Coverage rule means for TPAs

August 17, 2021
Josie Rasberry

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In case you haven’t heard, the IRS, Department of Labor, and Department of Health and Human Services have issued the Transparency in Coverage rule. But what exactly is it? In simple terms, it means employer-sponsored group health plans and health insurance issuers in the individual and group markets are going to be required to make cost-sharing information available upon request to members, their beneficiaries, or enrollees.

Starting July 1st, 2022* employer-sponsored group health plans and health insurance issuers will have to provide:

  • Negotiated rates for all covered items and services between the plan and in-network providers.
  • Historical payments to, and billed charges from, out-of-network providers.
  • In-network negotiated rates and historical net prices for all covered prescription drugs by plans.
  • A self-service tool for enrollees to get personalized out-of-pocket cost estimates for care. 

So how does all that affect TPAs?

As a TPA, you can expect many of your clients will come to you with questions, and also look to you for solutions in becoming compliant with the Transparency in Coverage rules. This means that TPAs need to become well-versed in the rule details to design solutions for compliance. If they don’t, TPAs stand to lose clients, revenue, and credibility.

What solutions can TPAs provide to their clients?

Solutions should be customized to TPAs’ specific clients, but solutions exist already that meet some of the compliance requirements. For example, a simple answer to “how do we create a self-service tool for people to see personalized out-of-pocket cost estimates?” is to partner with a company that’s already created this tool. If you’re a TPA or health plan reading this, lucky you, we've already created a platform for people to shop and compare medical care and medications based on their coverage. If you want to get a head start on your journey to compliance with the Transparency in Coverage rule, request a demo here of the PointHealthTech Smart Healthcare Platform!

Other solutions will be more customized and hands-on. TPAs with clients who want to be compliant by January 1st, 2022 should already be working with those clients to collect historical payments and negotiated rates to get started on what will surely be a lot of work.

Things to think about.

There are still a lot of questions and uncertainties about this new rule. Especially on the specifics of how employer-sponsored group health plans and health insurance issuers in the individual and group markets can be compliant with the rule. TPAs can help find the answer to “how” by thinking of solutions now and meeting with clients to determine the best course of action. If anyone is hoping the rule won’t happen, don’t hold your breath. A lot of hospitals hoped for the same thing when the Hospital Price Transparency rule came up, but it went into effect on January 1st. Plus, the new administration has continued to enforce that rule. Not to mention, noncompliance with the rule could lead to a possible fine of $100 per member per day. Possibly more. It's highly likely that the Transparency in Coverage rule will also happen, so it’s best to start preparing sooner rather than later.

Transparency in Coverage TPA Survey

Curious about how prepared other TPAs are for the Transparency in Coverage rule and what they are doing about it? Us too! To help us all understand how TPAs are approaching Transparency in Coverage, we are surveying a select group about their knowledge and preparation for the new rules.

We would love to include your insights in the survey. Your responses will be kept confidential and the results will be reported back to participating TPAs in aggregate.

The survey is less than 20 questions and should take no more than 5 minutes to complete on your computer or mobile device.

*The original publication stated the Transparency in Coverage rule would go into effect on January 1st, 2022. This blog was updated on August 24th, 2021 to reflect the updated enforcement date of July 1st, 2022 for the Transparency in Coverage rule from CMS.

TAKE THE SURVEY

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Discover the major changes happening that affect you, how to prepare, and even how to make the new rules work in your favor.

Download The Limited Benefit Plans’ Guide to Competing On More Than Price

Discover how to stand out based on unique offerings and high member satisfaction, and how to implement these strategies.

Download The Complete Guide to Implementing Price Transparency

Discover how to bring price transparency into your benefit offerings to increase member satisfaction, lower overall costs, stand out from competitors, and improve member retention.

Download Your Roadmap to Creating Engaged Healthcare Consumers

Discover the roadmap unique to your health plan type and start seeing higher member satisfaction, lower overall costs, and healthier members.

Download How to Leverage Ambulatory Surgical Centers for Lower Costs and Higher Satisfaction

Discover how TPAs, health cost sharing groups, and limited benefit medical plans can benefit from the use of ASCs.

Download the Patient Advocacy 2.0 White Paper

Discover what health plan members had to say about the value of patient advocacy in our survey.

Download the Complete Guide to Retaining Health Plan Members.

Learn the best strategies and tips for retaining your members while keeping costs low.

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Learn the best strategies and tips for growing your members while keeping costs low.

Download the Complete Guide to Lowering Member Costs

Discover what health plan members had to say about the value of patient advocacy in our survey.

Download Healthcare Consumerism 101: A Playbook for Health Plans

Learn the best strategies and tips for retaining your members while keeping costs low.

Download Your Guide to the Transparency in Coverage Rule

Discover how the the new rule will affect TPAs and health plans and how you can start your journey to compliance.

Download Your Guide to Unique Benefit Offerings that Don't Break the Bank

Discover how to add value to your health offerings that delight clients and members but don’t cost a fortune.

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Discover what health plan members had to say about the value of patient advocacy in our survey.

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