CHRS - Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist
Short Summary
CHRS – Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist
The CHRS – Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist designation is a comprehensive credential offered by the Healthcare Reform Center & Policy Institute and Global Healthcare Resources. It equips insurance agents, brokers, HR professionals, and consultants with advanced knowledge of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), fiduciary responsibilities, IRS reporting requirements, and litigation avoidance strategies. CHRS holders are trained to guide employers and clients through the evolving landscape of U.S. healthcare reform with confidence and compliance.
The program includes up to 60 hours of training delivered via interactive video, newsletters, and webcasts. Topics span ACA mandates, IRS audits, 1094/1095 reporting, fiduciary communication, and strategic plan design under changing political conditions. Candidates may complete the course online, attend live training at the Employer Healthcare & Benefits Congress, or organize group certification sessions. Certification includes access to ongoing updates and expert guidance from attorneys and policy leaders involved in ACA development.
Earning the CHRS signals authoritative expertise in healthcare reform and employee benefits compliance. Designees are often employed in benefits consulting, HR leadership, or insurance advisory roles, and are valued for their ability to interpret regulations, educate stakeholders, and mitigate risk. The designation complements other credentials such as CEBS, CFP®, or SHRM-SCP, and is especially relevant for professionals navigating ACA complexities in real time.
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Course Description
The Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist (CHRS) designation, offered by Global Healthcare Resources, is designed for professionals specializing in healthcare policy, compliance, and benefits administration. It equips holders with expertise in Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations, employer-sponsored healthcare, and policy analysis.
Purpose of the CHRS Designation
The CHRS credential serves several key functions:
- Comprehensive Healthcare Reform Knowledge – Covers ACA regulations, employer-sponsored healthcare, and policy analysis.
- Regulatory Compliance – Helps professionals understand legal requirements, tax implications, and healthcare benefits administration.
- Strategic Healthcare Planning – Equips consultants with tools to optimize healthcare benefits for organizations.
- Career Advancement – Recognized as a valuable credential in HR, insurance, and healthcare policy sectors.
Topics Covered in the Course
The CHRS program consists of self-paced study modules covering key aspects of healthcare reform:
- ACA Compliance & Employer Mandates – Covers healthcare regulations, employer responsibilities, and tax implications.
- Healthcare Benefits & Cost Management – Explores insurance plan structures, wellness programs, and cost-saving strategies.
- Legal & Regulatory Updates – Examines ongoing changes in healthcare policy and compliance requirements.
- Strategic Healthcare Benefits Planning – Helps professionals design cost-effective and competitive healthcare packages.
Specialization Options
While the CHRS designation provides a comprehensive healthcare reform education, professionals can further specialize in:
- Corporate Healthcare Consulting – Advising businesses on healthcare compliance and cost-effective solutions.
- Insurance & Benefits Strategy – Focusing on healthcare plan optimization and regulatory adherence.
- Healthcare Policy Analysis – Managing legislative updates and employer-sponsored healthcare strategies.
The CHRS credential is a recognized symbol of expertise, providing professionals with a competitive advantage in healthcare benefits and compliance.
Cost
- Course Fees – The CHRS program includes self-paced study modules and expert-led training.
- Study Materials – The program provides course presentations, ACA compliance guides, and certification materials.
- Exam Fees – The certification includes an assessment component to validate expertise.
- Accreditation – The program is recognized as the most comprehensive ACA designation.
Prerequisites
While specific prerequisites are not explicitly listed, the program is tailored for individuals with experience in healthcare benefits, ACA compliance, and employer-sponsored healthcare plans.
Prerequisites for CHRS
- Industry Experience – The CHRS designation is ideal for HR professionals, insurance agents, and healthcare consultants who work with ACA regulations and employer-sponsored healthcare.
- Course Completion – Candidates must complete the CHRS training program, which includes self-paced study modules and expert-led sessions.
- Assessment Requirement – The certification includes an evaluation component to validate expertise in healthcare reform and compliance.
Renewal Requirements
Maintaining the Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist (CHRS) designation, offered by Global Healthcare Resources, requires meeting continuing education (CE) requirements and paying renewal fees.
Renewal Requirements
- Continuing Education Access – CHRS holders must engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on healthcare reform policies and ACA compliance.
- Membership Maintenance – Renewal requires maintaining active access to CHRS continuing education resources.
Renewal Fees
- The annual renewal fee is $150, or candidates can opt for a monthly renewal fee of $22.
- Renewal provides access to 247+ Continuing Education Units, Virtual Summit Webinar Replays, and Coronavirus Workforce Preparedness Training.
Average Time to Complete Course
- Candidates typically complete the program in several weeks, depending on their availability and prior experience.
- The certification process includes expert-led training, ACA compliance modules, and an assessment component to validate expertise.
Exams
- Number of Exams – The CHRS certification includes an evaluation component integrated into the program.
- Format – The assessment is designed to validate expertise in ACA compliance, healthcare policy, and benefits administration.
- Duration – The program follows a self-paced study format, allowing candidates to complete the assessment at their convenience.
- Testing Window – Candidates complete the evaluation as part of the structured training program.
Certifying Body
The Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist (CHRS) designation is administered by Global Healthcare Resources. This program is recognized as the most comprehensive ACA designation, providing professionals with expertise in healthcare policy, compliance, and benefits administration.
