CMS Rejects Idaho’s Proposed Changes To Essential Health Benefits, Suggesting Using Short-Term Insurance Plans To Offer Reduced Benefits

On March 8, 2018, the Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rejected Idaho's proposed changes to the state's health benefits plans, suggesting the use of short-term insurance plans to offer reduced benefits. In January 2018, the Idaho Insurance Department submitted "Idaho Bulletin No. 18-01, Provisions for Health Carriers Submitting State-Based Health Benefit Plans." The proposed changes would allow insurers to sell health plans with minimal benefits. CMS said it could not approve the provisions but encouraged the state to modify the proposal for potential acceptance.

In a letter to the state regarding the new . . .