[Guidance Overview]

50-State Update on Pending Legislation Pertaining to Employer-Mandated Vaccinations

"[A] number states are considering passing more protective legislation for those refusing to get vaccinated.... Some states would prohibit employer-mandated vaccinations outright, while a number of states would permit mandated vaccinations only for employees who work in a healthcare facility or with medically vulnerable populations."  MORE >>

Husch Blackwell

[Guidance Overview]

Deadline Relief Continues for Health Plans and Participants

"[HHS] has agreed to extend similar deadline relief to state and local governmental group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide group health plan coverage. HHS also is encouraging nonfederal governmental group health plan sponsors, states and issuers to give participants and beneficiaries the extra time provided by the joint notice."  MORE >>

Mercer

[Guidance Overview]

Departments Issue Guidance on COVID-19 Coverage Rules

"The FAQs distinguish an individual's request for a COVID-19 test from testing individuals for general workplace safety or public health surveillance, neither of which are primarily intended for individualized diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.... [C]overage is required regardless of whether the individual receiving the vaccine is eligible under the categories prioritized for early vaccination in his or her state or locality."  MORE >>

Ice Miller LLP

First Lawsuit Challenging Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine May Shed Light on Employer Parameters

"The plaintiff is focusing his case on the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), rather than through its usual and more time-consuming approval process. While this claim is in its infancy, it could soon shed light on employers' rights -- or restrictions -- in this fluid area of the law." [Legaretta v. Macias, No. 21-179 (D.N.M. complaint filed Feb. 28, 2021)]  MORE >>

Fisher Phillips

Amazon Telehealth Service Adds 21 More States

"An Amazon telehealth outfit that started as a pilot service for Seattle-area employees and their families has quietly filed paperwork to operate in 21 more states ... Amazon Care ... announced it would begin lobbying lawmakers to ease regulations on what kind of health services can be performed outside of a doctor's office -- potentially widening the services Amazon Care can provide."  MORE >>

NNY360

West Virginia Bill Would Require Parity for Telehealth and Permit Out-of-State Providers

"The bill [would ban] annual or lifetime dollar maximum coverage for telehealth services outside of the maximum that applies to all items and services that are already covered under the policy. It would also bar insurance companies from charging a co-payment or deductible that is not equally imposed on all terms and services."  MORE >>

Sheppard Mullin

Health Savings Account Deposit Rates, Early 2021 Update

"The average deposit rate, for an account holder with $1,000 in their health savings account (HSA) has dropped 10 basis points since 2019.... Over the past few years, health savings accounts have experienced more variation in their deposit rates than regular savings accounts and the average deposit rates at the top 20 providers remain lower compared to the broader market."  MORE >>

Devenir

Risks of Keeping Employees Enrolled When They Are Not Actively at Work

"[S]top loss companies have been very diligent about checking to see if an employee is actively at work before paying a large claim, usually by asking for payroll records.... [E]mployees left on the plan when not actively at work could have their claims denied."  MORE >>

OneDigital Health and Benefits

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Kantor & Kantor LLP

FSA Users Are Increasing Contributions and Anticipating Approval of PPE Eligibility

FSAstore.com

New Campaign Spotlights Health Insurance Providers Delivering Care and Coverage that Works

AHIP [America's Health Insurance Plans]

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2021 Forecast: New Legislation Brings COVID-19 Relief and Shines a Light on Health Plan Price Transparency

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Faegre Drinker

ERISA Class Action Waiver and Arbitration Provisions: Recent Court Rulings, Plan Amendments, Employment Agreements

April 29, 2021 WEBCAST

Strafford

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Health & Welfare Benefits Update, March 2021 (PDF)

Alston & Bird

COBRA Subsidies Pass House, Outbreak Period Capped at One Year

ABD Insurance & Financial Services

Surprise DOL Guidance on Conclusion of One-Year ERISA Compliance Relief Period

The Wagner Law Group