"As labor shortages affect organizations across all industries, recruiters are turning to former employees as a lucrative talent pool. However, navigating [ACA] compliance when it comes to rehires, or 'boomerang' employees, presents a unique challenge for HR professionals."  MORE >>

"Among the vacated provisions is a rule that created a rebuttable presumption that the amount closest to the qualifying payment amount (QPA) is the proper payment amount for an NSA-covered item or service in disputes involving the NSA's independent dispute resolution procedures." [Texas Medical Assoc. v. HHS, No. 21-0425 (E.D. Tex. Feb. 23, 2022)]  MORE >>

"The court found that [HHS] had run afoul of the No Surprises Act's statutory scheme and the Administrative Procedure Act in implementing the arbitration system designed to handle payment disputes between out-of-network providers and facilities and group health plans and health insurance issuers." [Texas Medical Assoc. v. HHS, No. 21-0425 (E.D. Tex. Feb. 23, 2022)]  MORE >>

"If you haven't looked at your risk management policies and procedures recently to prevent or mitigate these concerns, now is the time to do so. Some best practices include: [1] Maintaining offline, encrypted backups of data and regularly test your backups; [2] Conducting regular scans to identify and address vulnerabilities, especially those on internet-facing devices, to limit the attack surface; [3] Regular patches and updates of software and Operating Systems; and [4] Training your employees regarding phishing and other common IT attacks."  MORE >>

"The No Surprises for COVID-19 Tests Act [HR 6851] would extend coverage of COVID-19 testing at zero cost-sharing beyond the Public Health Emergency period until December 31, 2023. Insurance companies would be required to continue to provide coverage for related items and services without imposing any cost-sharing, including for health provider office visits, urgent care visits and emergency room visits that result in an order of or administration of a COVID-19 test."  MORE >>

"[A recent] survey found that 63% of full-time workers at mid- to large-sized companies have at least one of three kinds of unsecured debt: credit card, medical, or personal loan debt. The survey asked workers with unsecured debt about ... resources like financial planning apps, coaching or counseling, emergency grant funds, debt consolidation loans, and more. Fewer than 40% of respondents said their employer offers the benefit. One in five respondents said they didn't have access to any of the 13 debt-related benefits."  MORE >>