Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)

This is supposed to be an easy-to-read summary of a health plan's benefits. But most are not so easy to read.

• The Affordable Care Act set in motion procedures to try to standardize the SBC format and wording.

The intent was to make it easier for consumers to compare apples-to-apples costs and coverage between health plans.

This portion of the act was delayed. It is not certain if it will be finalized.

♦ An SBC is only a snapshot of the plan. Complete plan details can be found in a much larger document called a Benefits Booklet.

If you do not have the time to read the benefits booklet, at least be sure to read and understand the SBC document.

They are usually four or five pages long with tables laying out costs for most common health care services such as office visits and testing.