The ACA specifies minimum Qualified Health Plan (“QHP”) certification standards that Exchanges must apply in certifying Plans for participation through the Exchange. The ACA also allows Exchanges to establish additional QHP criteria that are deemed to be in the best interest of individuals and small employers. The “Seal of Approval” (“SOA”) process relies upon close collaboration between the Health Connector and the Division of Insurance (“DOI”) to ensure that all Plans certified as QHPs meet necessary state and federal requirements. Issuers that meet federal QHP certification criteria as well as additional state requirements for proposed Plan designs, and which obtain approval by the Health Connector Board, will be awarded the 2026 SOA for their approved Plan designs. Proposed Plans that are awarded the 2026 SOA will be designated as QHPs and made available for purchase through the Exchange in accordance with their Issuer’s contract terms.
