"With the end of the emergency periods fast approaching, plan sponsors should begin evaluating whether any changes should be made to their plans and coordinating with their vendors to ensure that any changes are implemented correctly. A checklist of 'Action Items' for plan sponsors is included at the end of this article."  MORE >>

"Overall satisfaction with health coverage is lower among high-deductible health plan (HDHP) participants than among traditional plan enrollees. Lack of experience with their health coverage may account -- at least in part -- for this difference. Higher out-of-pocket costs may also contribute to the difference in satisfaction, but other disconnects exist."  MORE >>

"[1] Effects on requests for leave as an accommodation to a disability.... [2] State or other local family and medical leave substitution rights.... [3] Financial incentives to return to work.... [4] Effects of limiting benefits to certain employees.... [5] Continuation of benefits during leave periods."  MORE >>

"[Michigan's] largest health insurer secured approval last year from regulators to increase small group rates by a statewide average of 5.3 percent for employers with a preferred-provider organization (PPO) plan.... Blue Cross Blue Shield refiled its PPO rate plan ... to raise rates just by 1 percent for third and fourth quarter policy renewals."  MORE >>