The Obama Administration will begin rating health insurance plans according to network size, which will give consumers a better idea of the doctors and specialists available in each plan, reports The New York Times.
The rating system comes after complaints that it was difficult to determine whether health plans offered specific medical specialists. Cheaper networks often have smaller networks—for example, they may exclude teaching hospitals or certain doctors—but now consumers will be more informed about what they are purchasing.
Also new to health insurance rules: the maximum out-of-pocket costs allowed for an individual will be $7,150 for an individual, and $14,300 for a family. This is a $250 increase from 2015, and it will increase another $300 for 2017.
Consumer groups said these increases are not sustainable. Marc M. Boutin, with the National Health Council who advocates for people with chronic illness, told the Times that $7,000 can be a huge barrier to receiving care, especially if the costs occur at the beginning of the year.
Under the new rules, consumers who buy federal plans will have year-round access to insurance counselors, known as navigators, who will be paid by the government.