On March 21, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service, Employee Benefits Security Administration, and CMS published proposed rules providing that a group health plan (or health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage) may not apply any waiting period that exceeds 90 days, in conformance with the ACA. Under the proposed regulations, waiting period would be defined as the period that must pass before coverage for an employee or dependent who is otherwise eligible to enroll under the terms of a group health plan can become effective. The rules also would amend certain existing insurance market requirements, including preexisting condition limitations and other portability provisions added by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), in light of the ACA’s market reform protections. The proposed regulations generally would apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Comments will be accepted until May 20, 2013.