CMS has published an interim final rule with comment period that sets a December 23, 2013 deadline for individuals to select a qualified health plan through an Exchange for an effective coverage date of January 1, 2014, to conform to a previously-announced policy. The prior regulation imposed a December 15, 2013 deadline. State Exchanges may select a different deadline. The rule pertains to the individual market and Small Business Health Options Program in both the Federally-facilitated Exchanges and State Exchanges; it does not change the plan selection or premium payment dates for coverage offered outside of the Exchanges.

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