2015 / 2016 data
Does 2015 data need to be submitted to facilitate shopping for any users who have lost coverage and are shopping for the remainder of 2015?
Can Issuers include providers that aren't currently covered by plans but will be starting in January 2016? Is there an effective date field?
Answer:
The JSON requirements apply to Plan Year 2016 data and beyond, so Issuers do not need to submit any 2015 Plan Year data.
Providers, facilities, and drugs should be included for their respective 2016 plans, as the plan coverage does not begin until January 2016 as well. As updates are required no less than monthly, but allowed as frequently as desired, providers can be added when available and updated accordingly.
Future versions of the schema in future plan years may include the option to add an effective date.