"Given the exceptional circumstances surrounding the resumption of Medicaid and CHIP renewals for the first time in three years, many individuals will need more than the typical 60-day window after loss of Medicaid or CHIP coverage to apply for and enroll in other coverage.... Employers and plan sponsors should amend their group health plans to extend the period for special enrollment under their plans beyond the minimum 60-day period required by statute for individuals losing Medicaid and CHIP. Individuals losing Medicaid and CHIP should instead be able to enroll anytime during this annual redetermination process [.]"  MORE >>

"Plan sponsors with any of the types of coverage described [in this article] should evaluate what the proposed regulations, once they are finalized, could mean to the coverage they offer their employees. Employers attempting to utilize these products as an alternative to comprehensive health coverage should be aware that significant changes will likely be required ... if the proposed regulations are finalized as proposed."  MORE >>

"The Proposed Rules require that fixed indemnity insurance benefits be paid as a fixed amount on a per-period basis (e.g., $100/day) ... Furthermore, the Proposed Rules would prohibit the practice of offering fixed indemnity 'excepted benefits' coverage in coordination with other limited coverage products[.]"  MORE >>

"Starting August 7, 2023, Colorado employees can use paid sick for the following additional reasons: [1] To grieve, attend funeral services or a memorial, or deal with financial and legal matters that arise after the death of a family member; [2] To care for a family member whose school or place of care has been closed due to inclement weather, loss of power, loss of heating, loss of water, or other unexpected occurrence or event ... or [3] The employee needs to evacuate the employee's place of residence due to inclement weather, loss of power, loss of heating, loss of water, or other unexpected occurrence or event[.]"  MORE >>

"The [updated guidance] highlights the distinct benefits and protections offered under the [Massachusetts Parental Leave Act (MPLA)]. It is important that employers understand the obligations and limits of this law when offering parental leave to employees and in drafting their own parental leave policies."  MORE >>

"[1] Rename your HSA plan to convey more value to employees ... [2] Optimize your healthcare plan contribution strategy ... [3] Invest in employee health insurance education."  MORE >>

"Only about 8 percent of U.S. employers ... provide student loan repayments to eligible employees -- a percentage almost unchanged over five years ... While the appeal for job candidates is obvious, such a benefit can be used by employers as a recruitment, engagement and retention tool."  MORE >>

"Many hospitals and health systems ... now charge patients who receive clinical advice through messages. Such charges are generally covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as most private insurance, though patients may bear co-pays ... [T]he goal of charging for these messages was both to reimburse doctors, and discourage patients from excessive emailing. In actuality, ... the new charges have not solved either of those problems."  MORE >>

"The C.P. ruling is a very thoughtful decision that explained in detail why United Healthcare's benefit denial was flawed, and showed how an initial error that was never rectified infected the entire claim determination. The ruling goes well beyond the case before the court, though, and suggests that the health care system in the United States is broken and desperately in need of repair." [C.P. v. United Healthcare Insurance Company, No. 21-378 (D. Utah Jun. 21, 2023)]  MORE >>