"The ERISA Advisory Council made several recommendations to the [DOL] concerning health plan claim denials and related appeals in a draft report ... The DOL should collect more data on health appeals ... [The report] recommended increased enforcement from the DOL, including penalties for missed deadlines. The DOL should also invest in educating sponsors and participants about appeal rights.... Lastly, the report recommended that those who make claim determinations involving clinical judgement should be considered ERISA fiduciaries, including insurers themselves."  MORE >>