As part of the wide-ranging Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the No Surprises Act (NSA) goes into effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Among other requirements, the NSA requires group health plans to include the following elements on their member ID cards:
- In-network deductible
- Out-of-network deductible
- Out-of-pocket maximum limit
- Telephone number and website address for member assistance
- How to find an in-network provider
MedCost will evaluate all ID cards for NSA compliance upon the health plan’s renewal for the 2022 plan year. Per our standard policy, new physical ID cards will be issued when an employer group is making other changes that would require new ID cards to be printed and mailed to all health plan members. Upon completion of enrollment for groups that do not have renewal changes, MedCost will publish NSA-compliant digital ID cards that can be accessed online via the secure MedCost member account.
Please note that according to NSA requirements, it is not necessary to reissue ID cards if no plan changes are being made and digital ID cards are available. ID cards will only be printed and mailed to new health plan members and/or health plan members who have routine changes that necessitate an updated physical card. Existing members can request a new physical ID card that reflects NSA ID card requirements by logging in to the secure MedCost member portal or contacting customer service by phone or web chat.
Please contact your MedCost Account Manager if you have any questions.