A plan rating system, which allows consumers to see ratings of Exchange plans on the basis of quality, can contribute to strategic goals of improving transparency and informed decision making.

*Milestone details:

*Full name: Adopt a plan rating system that meets or exceeds standards developed by the federal government.

*Relevance to the ACA:

The ACA charges the Secretary of HHS with the creation of a rating system for qualified health plans offered through an Exchange. The Exchange must assign a quality rating to plans and provide this information to individuals and employers through its website. The relevant section is:

§1311 - Instructs the Secretary of HHS to develop a rating system that would rate qualified health plans based on quality and requires Exchanges to assign a rating to each qualified health plan offered in accordance with the Secretary’s criteria. Exchanges also must publish the quality ratings on their websites. Until guidance is issued, it is unclear how much discretion states may have in adding additional criteria.