In this pair of stories, CQ HealthBeat offers the latest news on the health law's benefts summary rule and one state insurance commissioner's views on essential benefits.  

CQ HealthBeat: U.S. Chamber, Blues Urge Delay In Benefits Summary Deadline
The Obama administration should exempt self-insured companies from a health care overhaul requirement that health benefits be summarized in a standardized format and should give insurers in the small-group and individual markets more time to comply with that rule. That was the message representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) delivered Friday to reporters (Reichard, 2/3).

CQ HealthBeat: States May Opt For Small-Business Model For Essential Benefits, Commissioner Says
The Rhode Island insurance commissioner predicted Friday that many states may opt to use existing small-business plans in their states as models for their essential benefits packages under the health care law (Norman, 2/3).