"Group health plans and health insurance issuers will not be required to submit certain information on air ambulance services by March 31, 2023 ... [CMS] has informally confirmed that since final regulations have not yet been issued, no reporting is required in 2023."  MORE >>

"Even though employers and group health plans just finalized filing 2020 and 2021 RxDC reports with CMS (reports were due by January 31,2023), they must quickly shift their attention to the 2022 RxDC reporting. For the 2020 and 2021 calendar reporting years, CMS made several concessions ... However, based on statements made by CMS representatives in recent webcasts and events around RxDC reporting, there will be no concessions granted for the 2022 reporting year."  MORE >>

"New FAQs provide employers in San Francisco with answers about the calculation and payment of supplemental compensation for employees on covered military leave under the Military Leave Pay Protection Act (MLPPA). The FAQs also address notice to employees about their MLPPA rights and responsibilities. These FAQs will look familiar to employers subject to the Paid Parental Leave Ordinance."  MORE >>

"Workers had an increased rate of anxiety and depression symptoms if they were fully remote (40%) or hybrid (38%), compared to those who worked in-person (35%) ... While the number of individuals taking a mental health prescription increased from 20% to 22% and the unmet need for counseling rose from 12% to 14%, overall symptoms of anxiety or depression fell from 40% to 35% from July 2021 to August 2022[.]"  MORE >>

"Most enrollees spent less than an hour on their health plan during open enrollment....About 6 in 10 individuals reported that they have a choice of health plan.... Most people thought that the following aspects were very or somewhat important: the network of health care providers, low out-of-pocket costs, low premiums, prescription drug coverage and simple to understand.... Enrollment in health savings account (HSA)-eligible health plans and health reimbursement arrangements reached a record high in 2020 with 19% enrolled in such a plan."  MORE >>

"The 4th Circuit overturned the lower court's decision, finding that the employer's usual and customary notice requirements are not limited to its written policies. Instead, the court must also consider how the employer allows employees to ask for leave in practice. As a result, even though the worker gave notice of his medical leave via Facebook Messenger rather than by using the employer's official call-in line, the employer's history of corresponding with the worker via Messenger concerning his medical leave validated his notice under the FMLA." [Roberts v. Gestamp West Virginia, LLC, No. 20-2202 (4th Cir. Aug. 15, 2022)]  MORE >>

"The proliferation of state-based paid family leave programs, each with their own nuances, add enormous complexity for HR professionals who have already been contending with existing disability benefits. Explaining these benefits to employees can create confusion or ill-will if they are misinterpreted, especially for an employee who is unable to work due to illness or injury, whether to themselves or a close family member."  MORE >>

"[The executive director of the National Association of Dental Plans.] said the Medical Loss Ratio requirements were the top item of discussion at the organization's annual leadership conference this year as more states are grappling with the issue and are poised to implement the requirements.... He said if dental insurers are forced to cut administrative costs, member and provider call centers could be closed, and claims processing will be impacted."  MORE >>

30 pages.  Employee Benefits items begin on page 4.  MORE >>