"HHS proposes standards for the oversight of states that operate either risk adjustment or reinsurance programs. The rule would require that states keep an accurate accounting for the programs, submit to HHS and make public reports on operations, and take other steps to ensure the soundness and transparency of the programs.... This rulemaking proposes standards for the oversight of State Marketplaces through monitoring, reporting, and oversight of financial activities and Marketplace activities. These mechanisms would assure that consumers are properly given their choices of coverage available, that consumers correctly receive advance payments of the premium tax credit or cost-sharing reductions if they qualify, and that Marketplaces are meeting the standards of the Affordable Care Act in a transparent manner.... To protect consumers and the financial integrity of Federally-facilitated Marketplaces, HHS proposes standards that would establish a progressive approach for the oversight of health insurance issuers.... HHS is proposing additional state flexibility by permitting a state to operate a State-based Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) while HHS would operate an individual market Federally-facilitated Marketplace in that state.... [The proposed regulation would] build on existing standards for agents and brokers by clarifying the pathways through which agents and brokers will help consumers and small businesses in Federally-facilitated Marketplaces."  MORE >>