Transparency in Coverage and No Surprises Act Overview

There are federal laws which provide a variety of mandates that impact UHA, its members and other stakeholders. These laws include the Transparency in Coverage Rule (TiC) and the No Surprises Act (NSA). Some of the requirements of these laws overlap, but the purpose for both is to provide consumers with cost information about medical services and to protect consumers from certain surprise medical bills.

Highlights of Mandates

Changes to ID Cards (Updated April 2022)

At the end of 2021, UHA provided members with updated ID cards that included more information such as displaying the annual deductible for the medical plan and maximum out-of-pocket costs, and a contact number and website for members to reach us if they need assistance.

Another new feature we included for convenience is a QR code which takes members to our member portal, where they can log in to:

• View their specific plan benefits, such as their drug plan information
• View or print a digital copy of their member ID card
• Track their claims

Price Comparison Tool

The price comparison tool will provide UHA members with personalized out-of-pocket costs and price comparisons for specific items or bundled services. Generally, the tool allows members to:

• Search based on billing code or description
• Review any accumulated deductible or other out-of-pocket expenditures to date
• Receive cost estimates
• Review factors that impact the cost, such as service location or drug dosage

As of January 1, 2023 UHA has made available an internet-based self-service tool and in paper form upon request for shoppable services through our member portal.

Provider Directories

Requires up-to-date participating provider directories to be available online or within one business day of questions regarding a participating provider and their information or status with UHA.  This mandate goes into effect on January 1, 2022.

Advanced Explanation of Benefits (AEOB)

The AEOB will provide cost estimates for services that are scheduled at least three days in advance, based on service billing codes provided by a provider or facility.  Originally scheduled to be available on January 1, 2022, the federal Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury are deferring enforcement of the requirement that an insurer make available an AEOB until further notice.

Surprise Billing

Protects UHA members from balance billing by non-participating providers in certain specific situations. Generally, this protection occurs when emergency services are provided at a non-participating facility or when non-emergency services are provided by a non-participating provider in a participating facility. In addition, the member may expect the applicable benefits, deductible, and maximum out of pocket cost to be applied at the participating provider benefit level for these services.

Continuity of Care

The law requires UHA to notify members when a provider or facility leaves UHA’s network while the provider or facility is providing ongoing care to a member.  In certain situations, UHA must also provide transitional coverage for up to 90 days or until treatment ends (whichever is earlier) at in-network rates. 

Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC)

Please visit this page for more details: Request for Premium Information Share from UHA

Public Disclosure of Rates Through Machine-Readable Files (MRFs) (Updated June 2022)

The three MRFs include files that provide information on (1) in-network rates, (2) out-of-network historical rates, and (3) prescription drugs. Data in the MRFs will provide opportunities for detailed research studies, data analysis, and offer third party developers and innovators the ability to create private sector solutions to help drive additional price comparison and consumerism in the health care market. UHA MRFs (1) and (2) are available here. File (3) prescription drugs will be deferred until further notice from the federal departments.