"The CAA 2023 removes the MHPAEA from the list of laws that self-funded state and local government health plans can choose to ignore.... Any opt-out election that expires on or after June 27, 2023 (180 days after enactment) is non-renewable.... The bottom line is that all self-funded state and local government plans will be fully subject to the MHPAEA in the near future."  MORE >>

"Effective June 27, 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act expanded protections against pregnancy discrimination, requiring reasonable workplace accommodations for employees and job applicants with pregnancy-related limitations that do not rise to the level of a disability. The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act, which became fully effective on April 28, 2023, broadened workplace protections for breastfeeding employees."  MORE >>

"Patients insured by a preferred provider benefit plan: [1] Are guaranteed coverage for out-of-network post-emergency stabilization services. [2] Are ensured that a preferred provider network will provide sufficient choice, access and quality of physicians and health care providers ... [3] Have the option to receive care at various facilities, if available[.]"  MORE >>

"States have historically regulated insurance, and many have mandated minimum benefits for decades. Currently, 30 states require insurance plans to cover contraceptives, with a wide range of coverage and cost-sharing requirements, and exemptions among these mandates. Ten of these states and DC have passed laws expanding the ACA contraceptive coverage provision."  MORE >>

"The Office of Management and Budget reportedly received the DOL's proposed regulations on Monday, July 10, and OMB confirmed Wednesday [July 12] the rules were under review.... Reports suggest the regulations could provide more guidance to plan sponsors on what is expected to be included in their comparative analysis. Some have speculated the regulations could include a 'safe harbor' that would afford an easier path to compliance."  MORE >>

"[A recent] survey on mental health showed an alarming number of U.S. healthcare members struggle to understand the mental health benefits at their disposal, let alone know how to use them. More than 50% of respondents either don't have mental health benefits included in their workplace benefit package or are not sure if they do."  MORE >>

"If an out-of-network provider is inaccurately identified as being in-network in a provider directory, and an individual obtains items or services from that provider, the NSA requires a plan to ... [1] Limit cost-sharing for those items and services to an amount that is the same or less than the cost sharing that would apply for an in-network provider. [2] Apply the deductible or any out-of-pocket maximum as if the items or services were furnished by an in-network provider."  MORE >>

"The complaint, brought by the firm's former head of people experience on behalf of a putative class of fellow former employees, alleges that Elon Musk and X Corp., the parent company of Twitter, violated [ERISA] by not delivering on severance payments promised in an employee benefit plan." [McMillian v. Twitter, No. 23-3461 (N.D. Cal. complaint filed Jul. 12, 2023)]  MORE >>

"Soon after COBRA's enactment, plan sponsors and administrators sought answers to the seemingly endless questions that arose when there was just a statute, a bit of legislative history, and no administrative or case law guidance. The COBRA Guide was intended to fill that void.... Thank you all, and farewell."  MORE >>

"Victims of flooding in Vermont that began on July 9, 2023, now have until Nov. 15, 2023, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments ... [I]ndividuals and households affected by flooding that reside or have a business anywhere in Vermont qualify for tax relief."  MORE >>