"For calendar year plans, this means that reduced-cost COVID-19 testing and treatment can be covered by an HDHP through Dec. 31, 2024. For non-calendar year plans, the relief applies through the plan year that ends in 2024."  MORE >>

"In [Chief Counsel Memo 202323006], the IRS made it clear that fixed indemnity plan payments remain taxable to the individuals, and subject to employment taxes like FICA and FUTA, if the employee has no unreimbursed medical expenses related to the payment. Since many of the wellness activities (like vaccinations and physicals) are covered 100% under the group health plan, the employee will have no unreimbursed expenses. Therefore, the entire fixed indemnity payment will be taxable."  MORE >>

"The administration's latest order regarding post-Dobbs reproductive health care access suggests that we should expect additional guidance from the administrative agencies regarding access to contraceptives in the coming months. The agencies also may prioritize efforts to finalize their rulemaking on HIPAA privacy and contraceptives, which were proposed earlier in the year."  MORE >>

"[T]he court found that Plaintiff 'received' her pre-tax contributions even though she chose to place some of her salary into a retirement account.... [T]he court found that the district court [erred] by treating the entire Trimester Bonus as 'monthly' earnings.... This is consistent with the policy's definition of 'Pre-Disability Earnings,' which averages bonuses across 24 months instead of counting all bonuses toward the month in which they are distributed." [Neumiller v. Hartford Life and Accident Ins. Co., No. 22-35688 (9th Cir. June 26, 2023)]  MORE >>

35 pages. "As fiduciaries, employer plan sponsors have not just a right to expect greater alignment but also a responsibility to deliver it.... Disruption is essential if we are to do right by our organizations, our health plans, and our employees and their families. This playbook was developed as a catalyst for change and, equally important, a blueprint to help foster positive, constructive steps to create better PBM alignment."  MORE >>

"Benefits only have true value when employees need to use them, so support should be ongoing to help individuals use their benefits.... By developing an optimal mix of high-tech and high-touch channels, you can make sure your messages really stand out. You can't reach everyone with a one-size-fits-all approach.... Providing and communicating your resources throughout the year is a far more effective way to build a deep, long-lasting 'value proposition' for employees."  MORE >>

"[R]etailers are finding creative ways to offer mental health and related benefits, including: [1] Adding (or upgrading) an employee assistance program (EAP).... [2] Implementing training to help guide frontline employees and their managers to respond appropriately to sensitive employee issues and encourage wellness in the workplace.... [3] Tapping into technology to provide employees with wellness tools.... [4] Adopting benefits that are not usually thought of as mental health-related but can enhance employees' quality of life.... [5] Adopting programs in which employees receive free or reduced-cost tuition for classes and seminars."  MORE >>