260 pages. "This NPRM contains proposals to implement the CARES Act provisions relating to health information privacy; the Department intends to develop a separate rulemaking to implement the CARES Act antidiscrimination prohibitions."  MORE >>

"In addition to obvious implications for health care providers and health plans, the proposed changes are likely to impact both the confidentiality requirements for employer-sponsored and other health benefit programs, as well as the ability and responsibilities of businesses seeking to access or use information about prior substance use and abuse in their workplaces or for other legitimate purposes."  MORE >>

"[S]ome employers may experience cost savings by allowing this mid-year change to drop family members ... However, it is also possible that participants who found employer-based coverage for family members unaffordable simply never enrolled their family members, and employers will see no cost savings."  MORE >>

"Following the US Supreme Court's decision in [Dobbs], many employers extended travel benefits to women residing in states where abortion or reproductive health procedures may now be unlawful. Recently, [EEOC] Commissioner Andrea Lucas filed a Commissioner's Charge against at least three companies alleging that doing so violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.... Employers are now asking whether [this] may be the beginning of litigation by the EEOC or private plaintiffs and whether they can take measures to address the legal arguments being raised."  MORE >>

"For most companies, health care is the second or third largest expense after wages. Through self-funding, Walker Forge reduced their all-in health care spend per employee to 28% below the national average and their pharmacy spend is about one-third of the national average per employee. While most employers have seen an upwards of 7% increase in average inflation each year, through self-funding, Walker Forge has been able to keep their premiums flat for four years."  MORE >>

"2022 was a year in which fiduciary insurance rates and retentions continued to increase but stabilized.... Excessive fee class actions were by far the largest drivers of the market ... [E]mployer stock class actions against public companies did not make a resurgence, while private companies continued to be targeted ... Aftermath of the Dobbs decision ... 2023: Looking ahead: [1] Defined Contribution Plan risk ... [2] Risks post the Dobbs decision ... [3] Defined Benefit Plan risks ... [4] Regulatory risks."  MORE >>