The IRS releases final “transparency of coverage” final regulations on group health plans.

The regs require group health plans and health insurance issuers in the individual and group markets to disclose, upon request, cost-sharing information. This includes an estimate of the individual’s cost-sharing liability for covered items or services.

The regs also require plans and issuers to make this information available on a website and, if requested, in paper form. Thus, a participant, beneficiary or enrollee (or his or her representative) will be allowed to obtain an estimate of the individual’s out-of-pocket expenses and effectively shop for health insurance products and services.