"[1] A provider association that earlier won a lawsuit over the No Surprises Act arbitration process is going to court again over the same issue. [2] Delays in resolving arbitration cases can be expected to continue. [3] Findings of a new study indicate the diverging impact of using a rate-setting approach as opposed to a percent-of-charges benchmark to resolve out-of-network payments." [Texas Medical Association v. HHS, DOL and Treasury, No. 22-0372 (E.D. Tex. complaint filed Sep. 22, 2022)]  MORE >>

"Health care might keep employees from looking elsewhere, but it might not be the factor drawing new ones in.... Some companies have experimented with new tools to attract employees, while maintaining their health care offerings."  MORE >>

"Sit down with your child and review the cost of getting their own coverage through their employer, because the financial case to continue carrying them until 26 is compelling if you can afford it. Even when employees have coverage, the combined cost of premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses can be considerable."  MORE >>

"Sponsors of employer/union group Medicare plans may see lower costs ... and supplementary benefits in group Medicare plans will count toward the new $2,000 patient Part D out-of-pocket maximum, making it more attractive for employers to supplement benefits. Some employers fear that drug costs will shift from Medicare to employers. But the high visibility of the lower Medicare prices could create additional leverage for commercial payers to negotiate lower net prices."  MORE >>

"Out-of-pocket spending for recurring health care expenses, it found, averaged roughly $2,500 per person for both single and couple households, and generally did not change with age. The average total non-recurring expense for singles age 65 and older, however, was $7,122, compared with $3,161 for couples. The differences are greatest for nursing home costs and home health care, which suggests couples may benefit from having their spouse or partner available to deliver care."  MORE >>