ACA Prescribed Limits Are Still on Track for Most Plans in 2014

Out-of-Pocket (OOP) maximums of $6,350 for individuals and $12,700 for families will still apply for most customary fully-insured health insurance plans in 2014 (coinciding with renewal/anniversary dates; new plan year effective dates). Many publications and other news sources have created some confusion by reporting that the Affordable Care Act provision limiting maximum out of pocket costs has been delayed until 2015. The delay only impacts those plans that carve out certain benefits (e.g. pharmacy, mental health benefits) for administration by separate third-party providers.  In those cases, a health plan’s medical benefits and its carved out benefit(s) may apply toward separate out-of-pocket maximums in 2014.  This appears to be a one year exception for carve-outs and all plans are expected to aggregate out-of-pocket maximums beginning in 2015.