The term minimum essential coverage has the same meaning as provided in section 5000A(f) of the Code and its implementing regulations for purposes of this subpart.

The following types of coverage are designated by the Secretary as minimum essential coverage for purposes of section 5000A(f)(1)(E) of the Code:

(a) Self-funded student health coverage. Coverage offered to students by an institution of higher education (as defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965), where the institution assumes the risk for payment of claims, are designated as minimum essential coverage for plan or policy years beginning on or before December 31, 2014. For coverage beginning after December 31, 2014, sponsors of self-funded student health coverage may apply to be recognized as minimum essential coverage pursuant to the process provided under 45 CFR 156.604.

(b) Refugee Medical Assistance supported by the Administration for Children and Families. Coverage under Refugee Medical Assistance, authorized under section 412(e)(7)(A) of The Immigration and Nationality Act, provides up to eight months of coverage to certain noncitizens who are considered Refugees, as defined in section 101(a)(42) of the Act.

(c) Medicare advantage plans. Coverage under the Medicare program pursuant to Part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, which provides Medicare Parts A and B benefits through a private insurer.

(d) State high risk pool coverage. A qualified high risk pool as defined by section 2744(c)(2) of the Public Health Service Act established on or before November 26, 2014 in any State.

(e) Other coverage. Other coverage that qualifies pursuant to § 156.604.

(a) The Secretary may recognize “other coverage” as minimum essential coverage provided HHS determines that the coverage meets the following substantive and procedural requirements:

(1) Coverage requirements. A plan must meet substantially all the requirements of title I of the Affordable Care Act pertaining to non-grandfathered, individual health insurance coverage.

(2) Procedural requirements for recognition as minimum essential coverage. To be considered for recognition as minimum essential coverage, the sponsor of the coverage, government agency, health insurance issuer, or plan administrator must submit the following information to HHS:

(i) Identity of the plan sponsor and appropriate contact persons;

(ii) Basic information about the plan, including:

(A) Name of the organization sponsoring the plan;

(B) Name and title of the individual who is authorized to make, and makes, this certification on behalf of the organization;

(C) Address of the individual named above;

(D) Phone number of the individual named above;

(E) Number of enrollees;

(F) Eligibility criteria;

(G) Cost sharing requirements, including deductible and out-of-pocket maximum limit;

(H) Essential health benefits covered; and

(I) A certification by the appropriate individual, named pursuant to paragraph (a)(3)(ii)(b), that the organization substantially complies with the requirements of title I of the Affordable Care Act that apply to non-grandfathered plans in the individual market and any plan documentation or other information that demonstrate that the coverage substantially comply with these requirements.

(b) CMS will publish a list of types of coverage that the Secretary has recognized as minimum essential coverage pursuant to this provision.

(c) If at any time the Secretary determines that a type of coverage previously recognized as minimum essential coverage no longer meets the coverage requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Secretary may revoke the recognition of such coverage.

(d) Notice. Once recognized as minimum essential coverage, the sponsor of the coverage, government agency, health insurance issuer, or plan administrator must provide notice to all enrollees of its minimum essential coverage status and must comply with the information reporting requirements of section 6055 of the Internal Revenue Code and implementing regulations.

The Secretary may audit a plan or program recognized as minimum essential coverage under § 156.604 at any time to ensure compliance with the requirements of § 156.604(a).