$323M in MLR Rebates Expected in First Year

In some cases, the rebates will go to the employers who paid the premiums, "and then the employer has obligations to pass that along to their employees."

"This is a critical measure of consumer transparency," he said.

Larsen added that federal health officials are aware that insurance plans have already begun to adjust their pricing and business models to these 80/20 or 85/15 standards.

Meanwhile HHS officials said they had denied adjustments requested by insurers in Wisconsin and North Carolina.

Consumers will be able to learn whether their insurance plans met the standard or not. More information on where to get specific information by plan is posted here.

"The proposed consumer notices about whether their insurance company has met the new standard have been posted on HealthCare.gov, and HHS is seeking public comment to help ensure the notices are useful transparency tools for consumers," HHS said in a statement. 

On February 10, CMS issued a final rule designed to simplify and clarify the  language used by insurance companies to describe health plan eligibility and benefits.