"The guidance confirms that elections expiring on or after June 27, 2023, may not be renewed but explains a special rule for certain collectively bargained plans: A self-insured, non-federal governmental plan that is subject to multiple collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) of varying lengths and that has an MHPAEA opt-out election that was in effect on December 29, 2022, and expires on or after June 27, 2023, may extend the election until the last CBA expires."  MORE >>

"While employers may consider height and weight where they can demonstrate that body size is an essential job qualification, customer preferences or similar considerations likely will not support appearance-based employment decisions.... [T]he amendments expressly allow employers to offer incentives that support weight management as part of voluntary wellness programs."  MORE >>

"Senate Bill 999 aligns certain provisions under Paid Leave Oregon and the Oregon Family Leave Act, including provisions that define the terms 'family member' and 'one-year period,' protect eligible employees' job restoration rights, and prescribe the method for determining the one-year period for purposes of tracking leave. Employees may begin applying for Paid Leave Oregon benefits on September 3, 2023."  MORE >>

"[T]he amendments expand the definition of a covered family member to include siblings and stepsiblings, as well as their respective spouse or domestic partner, and any individual with whom an employee has a 'close association' that is 'equivalent to a family relationship.' ... Second, the amendments provide that employers may define the 'leave year' for OFLA purposes as 'beginning on the Sunday immediately preceding the date on which family leave commences.' "  MORE >>

"The Employer Reporting Improvement Act (HR 3801) would change tax identification number (TIN) requirements, as well as set definite response times and limitations periods for IRS enforcement of ACA filing requirements. The Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (HR 3797) would extend the use of the alternative furnishing method to all Forms 1095-C ... instead of just those that report only enrollment in Part III of the Form 1095-C or Forms 1095-B."  MORE >>

"National health expenditures are projected to grow 5.4 percent, on average, over the course of 2022-31 and to account for roughly 20 percent of the economy by the end of that period. The insured share of the population is anticipated to exceed 92 percent through 2023 ... and then decline toward 90 percent as coverage requirements related to the COVID-19 public health emergency expire. The prescription drug provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 are anticipated to lower out-of-pocket spending for Medicare Part D enrollees beginning in 2024 and to result in savings to Medicare beginning in 2031."  MORE >>

"AHIP looked at commercial claims (which includes employer-provided coverage and the individual market) data for 2018 and 2021 ... [1] Use of the [Collaborative Care Model (CoCM)] and [behavioral health integration (BHI)] codes in the commercial market has increased from 2018 to 2021. [2] Payment for the CoCM and BHI codes in the commercial market has increased from 2018 to 2021. [3] Payment for the CoCM and BHI codes in the commercial market is higher than Medicare payment for the same codes."  MORE >>

"AI can transform EBP procedures that improve participant outcomes, elevate efficiency, and improve data reconciliation. However, worries about data privacy and security risks underscore the substantial obstacles to obtaining the advantages.... AI systems are dynamic and necessitate providers' total commitment to enhancing their adaptability and robustness. Continued monitoring of AI-enabled services begins with knowing where that technology exists in vendors' offerings and whether it's accommodated in their data security policies and practices."  MORE >>