PPACA exchange program adds auto-enrollment feature

HHS noted that about 88 percent of employees receiving coverage through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program don't wish to change plans and are instead auto-enrolled in their current plan with updated premiums and benefits.

Consumers who are automatically re-enrolled in PPACA plans can hange plans during open enrollment, which is scheduled to run from Nov. 15 through Feb. 15, according to the rule. Enrollees also can return to the system to report life changes.

People who are no longer eligible for tax credits will be auto-enrolled into the same QHPs, but without the tax credits, HHS said. State-based exchanges can take the same approach or propose an alternative.

The exchanges run by HHS will send consumers notices on how to update tax credit information, HHS said.

Health insurers are responsible for telling consumers about the new premium levels and how much tax credits could reduce their bills, officials said.