"[W]here state law is more consumer-protective, the state law remains in effect.... The NSA allows states to specify how payment disputes between insurers and providers are resolved....[T]he federal approach does not apply if a state specifies its own mechanism ... [S]tates may develop their own processes for enforcing the NSA and specified state laws."  MORE >>

"[N]oncompliance with proper coverage of mental health and substance use disorder treatment under MHPAEA remains a significant issue. ... [This article explores] Mental Health Parity in greater detail, including what it requires, which plans are subject to it, and how it is enforced."  MORE >>

"Employees must make an oral or written request to use leave and must follow the employer's policy concerning notification of intent to use leave. Employers may require that employees provide seven calendar days advanced notice for foreseeable leaves.... Employers are not obligated to pay the employee for any accrued but unused paid leave upon the employee's separation."  MORE >>

"These frequently asked questions (FAQs) address whether certain costs related to nutrition, wellness, and general health are medical expenses under section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) that may be paid or reimbursed under a health savings account (HSA), health flexible spending arrangement (FSA), Archer medical savings account (Archer MSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).... Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body.... Medical expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health."  MORE >>

"You are invited to submit ideas, as well as comment and vote on ideas submitted by others, to highlight and discuss four priority areas ... The task force will use your experiences, insights and suggestions to inform a series of resources and policy frameworks that will help state and local policymakers effectively support workers' mental health needs and bolster the behavioral health care workforce. The dialogues will be open for participation through April 3."  MORE >>

"In 2013, Walmart began offering its employees access to its Centers of Excellence, in which employees can go to designated health-care facilities for treatment of [certain] conditions ... Many conditions are covered at no cost to the employee ... Walmart now is looking to move the Centers of Excellence program to local communities where it has stores instead of funneling workers to large medical centers in urban hubs."  MORE >>

"one way plan sponsors can improve employees' awareness of their benefits package is by providing information on a regular basis throughout the year -- not just when open enrollment comes around.... [U]sing a 'multi-channel approach' is an effective way for plan sponsors to communicate with participants.... [P]lan sponsors should look at web traffic and email click-through rates to see how much their participants are engaging with communications they send out."  MORE >>