Uniform SBCs to be Translated Into Multiple Languages

HR360, Inc.
January 26, 2016

Templates Expected to be Available by July 1, 2016

A new law in California makes uniform summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) information a vital document—subject to specified translation requirements—commencing October 1, 2016. Uniform SBC information must be provided to consumers by health plans and insurers under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) and California law.

Background
California law requires a "vital" document to be translated when a "limited-English-proficient" population is a certain percent of the plan's enrollment. Prior to October 1, 2016, the uniform SBC information required under the ACA and state law is not classified as "vital."

New Law

• Beginning October 1, 2016, the uniform SBC will constitute a vital document for purposes of state law.
• By July 1, 2016, the state is expected to develop written translations of the template uniform SBCs for all language groups identified by the State Department of Health Care Services in all plan letters as of August 27, 2014, for translation services (except for any language group for which the United States Department of Labor has already prepared a written translation).
• Also by July 1, 2016, the California Department of Managed Health Care is expected to make written translations of the template uniform SBC available on its website.

Click here to read the text of the law.

To review other state laws specific to California, visit the State Laws section, click on California, and choose your topic of interest from the left-hand navigation menu.