21 pages, Sept. 2022 (Version 3.00.00). "This User Manual explains how to use the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) module within the Health Insurance Oversight System (HIOS). Group health plans, health insurance issuers offering group of individual or group coverage, and Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) carriers use the RxDC module to submit information about prescription drug and health care spending on an annual basis."  MORE >>

"Under the new law, 'covered service providers' that enter into a contract, provide 'brokerage or consulting' services to 'covered' plans, and reasonably expect that compensation to exceed at least $1,000, must disclose all compensation, either direct or indirect, received in relation to such brokerage or consulting services for a health plan.... There is no requirement that the contract be in writing.... Plan fiduciaries will need to request these disclosures, review them to be sure they accurately reflect both the services to be provided and the agreed on amount of compensation as reflected in any written service contract."  MORE >>

"Employers need to keep on top of the rapidly changing landscape of laws as states continue to propose, fund, and launch their own PFML programs. Every jurisdiction has adopted plans that vary -- and some states have combined their state-mandated short term disability with a PFL program to create a PFML program."  MORE >>

"Beginning in June 2022, California businesses with between 1 and 100 employees may qualify to receive grants of up to $2,000 for each employee who is off work for a reason covered by California's Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. The intent of the PFL Small Business Grant program is to help small businesses offset some of the expenses they incur while complying with their PFL obligations."  MORE >>

"[A] federal judge in Fort Worth agreed with a group of Christian conservatives that the ACA's mandate that insurance plans cover HIV preventive medications violates their religious freedom.... Judge Reed O'Connor concluded that the government's process for determining whether preventative services are covered by the ACA is unconstitutional." [Braidwood Management, Inc. v. Becerra, No. 20-0283 (N.D. Tex. Sep. 7, 2022)]  MORE >>

"To counter inflationary trends, plan sponsors should focus more on helping participants build savings rather than the purchase of more costly insurance -- as part of a 'health and wealth' strategy designed to optimize both savings and financial preparedness."  MORE >>

"In what is now nearly a year and a half since the Rutledge decision, more than 40 states have introduced upwards of 100 pieces of legislation intended to regulate PBMs. The laws are all different and aim to regulate the PBM industry in different ways."  MORE >>

"Currently, New York requires every pharmacy benefit manager performing pharmacy benefit management services to register with the New York State Department of Financial Services from June 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023. On or after January 1, 2024, a pharmacy benefit manager must obtain a license with the New York State Department of Financial Services."  MORE >>

"Mental health and well-being programs continue to gain importance.... [P]roactive employers are: [1] Embracing mental health benefits ... [2] Checking the value-added benefits provided by their carriers and communicating them often ... [3] Offering mental health first aid training."  MORE >>

"The 10-year partnership represents Walmart's latest push into healthcare and could help the retail giant better compete with CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance. Walmart's clinics could get a boost of new customers from UnitedHealth's Medicare Advantage members, while UnitedHealth gains access to the largest U.S. retailer's footprint and a venue to enroll more people[.]"  MORE >>