CMS has rolled back its efforts to improve transparency into health plans' provider networks in 2017.
CMS said it will give consumers information about the breadth of payers' provider networks in just six pilot states rather than for health plans nationally.
CMS first proposed the consumer transparency tool in its Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2017. The NBPP said there would be consumer testing of the transparency tools and suggested the ratings would be available to consumers in all states with government insurance marketplaces.
CMS issued a guidance Aug. 19 revealing the network transparency tool would only be available in select states. It did not specify the six pilot states.
The agency did not immediately respond to InsideHealthPolicy's request for comment.