On Dec. 4, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2022. This proposed rule describes benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that would apply for the 2022 benefit year.

Proposed standards in the rule include: 

• Updated annual limitations on cost sharing: The 2022 maximum annual limit on cost sharing is proposed to increase to $9,100 for self-only coverage and $18,200 for other than self-only coverage. 

• The individual mandate’s affordability exemption: The 2022 required contribution percentage is proposed to increase to 8.74%. 

• Special enrollment periods (SEPs) in the Exchanges: The proposed rule would revise certain existing rules related to SEPs.

Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by Dec. 30, 2020. HHS will review and incorporate public comments when finalizing these proposed standards.

If finalized, the provisions included in this proposed rule would generally apply for the 2022 benefit year. Employers may not rely on these proposals, and should keep in mind that these proposals may change before being finalized.

HHS also published a fact sheet and press release on the proposed rule.