In this review: Transparency in Coverage (final rule)
Effective date: Sixty days after the final rule is published in the Federal Register (the rule remains unpublished as of this review's posting date)

The big picture: Health insurance beneficiaries will be given more information on their cost-sharing obligations, thanks to new insurance disclosure requirements. Group health plans and health insurers will be required to share out-of-pocket cost information and underlying negotiated payment rates, thanks to a final transparency rule issued jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of the Treasury, and Department of Labor. The mandate applies to all covered health care items and services, with the information being made available through an internet-based self-service tool — and in paper form upon request.