The new SBC rules are not something to underestimate. In fact, these documents were voted as on of the most popular features under the Affordable Care Act.
A central theme of these is a uniform method of communicating what the plan pays for and does not pay for. Do not get these confused with the ERISA summary of plan descriptions (SPDs) or plan documents that often provide more details on the plan.
Unlike other plan descriptions, the SBCs include strict requirements regarding formating and also include strict requirements on who to send these to and when. Unlike other medical plan communications, individuals must receive these before they enroll. Electronic distribution is only allowed when other federal ERISA standards are met.
If you need help drafting these documents or understanding the rules for distributing them, please contact Kinney & Larson.