Process FAQs for Request for Comment on Health Insurance Exchanges

Q: What is the Request for Comment (RFC)?

A:  Keeping with President Obama’s commitment to transparency and open government, HHS today published a Request for Comment, inviting the public to share their thoughts regarding the rules that will govern the Exchanges. In particular, HHS asks States, consumer advocates, employers, insurers, and other interested stakeholders to comment on the types of standards Exchanges should be required to meet.

The public is encouraged to provide input on a variety of topics related to the Exchanges.  HHS is interested in this input as it develops the standards to support the establishment and operation of the Exchanges.

Q: Who can submit comments on the RFC?

A: Any member of the public, including private citizens, State and local governments, businesses, stakeholder groups or other organizations.

Q: How do I submit comments on the RFC?

A: You may submit comments in one of four ways (please choose only one of the ways listed)

Electronically.  You may submit electronic comments on this regulation to https://www.regulations.gov - Opens in a new window .  Follow the instructions under the "More Search Options" tab.

By regular mail.  Please see the mailing address in the RFC. Please allow sufficient time for mailed comments to be received before the close of the comment period.

By express or overnight mail to the address listed in the RFC.

By hand or courier.  If you prefer, you may deliver (by hand or courier) your written comments before the close of the comment period to either of the addresses listed in the RFC. Comments mailed to the addresses indicated as appropriate for hand or courier delivery may be delayed and received after the comment period.

Please see the published Request for Comment for more information on specific submission processes.

Q: Will submitted comments be made public?

A: Yes.  All comments received before the close of the comment period are available for viewing by the public, including any personally identifiable or confidential business information that is included in a comment. We post all electronic comments received before the close of the comment period on the following public Web site as soon as possible after they have been received: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the search instructions on that Web site to view public comments.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting comments to HHS?

A: The deadline for submitting comments to HHS is October 4, 2010.

Q: Who is the point of contact related to questions on this RFC?

A: Please contact Donna Laverdiere, Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, Department of Health and Human Services, at (301)492-4100.