"[Chief Counsel Advice Memorandum 202317020] specifically addresses two questions -- [1] whether a valid medical expense is taxable if the plan reimburses but does not substantiate the expense and [2] if certain shortcut methods of substantiation are sufficient. ... The Memo does not break any new ground, but it does provide examples that illustrate the substantiation requirements for health FSAs and DCAPs."  MORE >>

"All non-grandfathered plans (whether HDHP or non-HDHP) must cap out-of-pocket spending at $9,450 for any covered person.... [F]or the 2024 plan year, an HDHP subject to the ACA out-of-pocket limit rules may have [an] $8,050 (self-only) / $18,900 (family) out-of-pocket limit (and be HSA-compliant) so long as there is an embedded individual out-of-pocket limit in the family tier no greater than $9,450."  MORE >>

"Maryland's Time to Care Act (TTCA) establishes a paid family and medical leave (PFML) insurance program. Contributions -- which cannot exceed 1.2% of wages -- are set to begin Oct. 1, 2024. Starting in 2026, covered employees may take up to 12 weeks of leave in a rolling 12-month period ... Here are some steps to take before deadlines in 2024 and 2026[.]"  MORE >>

"Although the proven benefits of proton therapy have expanded its usage to different types of cancers, health insurers have balked at expanding coverage for such treatment, resulting in multiple lawsuits around the country. A recent decision issued by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ... upheld a lower court ruling directing a health insurer to cover proton therapy." [Salim v. Louisiana Health Service and Indemnity Co., No. 22-30573 (5th Cir. May 3, 2023; unpub.)]  MORE >>

"In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate healthcare, self-funded plans have gained significant traction.... [This article explores] the crucial role TPAs play in supporting self-funded plans and how they contribute to the overall success of these programs."  MORE >>

"This study aims to quantify the short- and long-run social welfare impact of changes to intellectual property policies relevant to the life sciences industry.... [A] 1-year reduction in effective patent length reduces the number of new drugs brought to market from 46 to 39 per year (a 16% decline), decreasing in social welfare by $9.0 trillion between 2021 and 2050. Consumers incur 75.8% ($6.8 trillion) of the reduction in social welfare."  MORE >>

"[E]mployers and other industry experts are evaluating which pandemic-era benefits remain popular among workers -- and if the speed with which new programs were rolled out could or should be replicated in the future.... In some cases, employers completely changed their approach to employee benefits as a result of the pandemic."  MORE >>

"[This study] focused on the levels of benefits provided by four-year institutions to faculty.... Separate analyses were conducted for retirement benefits, health benefits, and total benefits ... Overall, the study documents how faculty benefits have changed over time, and whether benefits in dollar and percentage terms were related to selected characteristics of the faculty and the institutions where they work."  MORE >>