Final Rules on Transparency in Coverage Issued by Labor, Treasury, HHS
The federal agencies’ 2026 Transparency in Coverage final rules overhaul how health plans disclose benefits, impacting insurers and enrollees nationwide.
On October 5, 2026, the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services released the final version of the Transparency in Coverage rule that originally appeared as draft guidance in 2020. The revised rule clarifies and expands the types of information health plans must provide consumers about covered benefits, cost sharing, and out‑of‑network care. It also tightens disclosure requirements for premium rates, plan design, and the calculation of safeguard balances that protect employees from out‑of‑pocket costs. For major‑firm clients, the rule means additional compliance deadlines, potential redesign of benefit statements, and new data‑reporting obligations for insurance carriers. Firms must assess whether current plan documents meet the new standards and advise clients on updating policies and compliance training. Ongoing monitoring of any future adjustments, especially those tied to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, will be crucial as the rule’s enforcement begins.