"Congress updated the legislation in 2020 to require companies to conduct analyses of their plans to ensure that access to mental health and substance abuse treatments are not more restrictive than other benefits. [The] proposal, which still requires a public comment period, would direct insurers to also evaluate the outcomes of their coverage rules.... [T]he evaluation would examine a provider's network, payment for out-of-network providers and how often prior authorization is required and its rate of denial. Such analysis ... will show where plans are failing to meet legal requirements and thus must improve their plans."  MORE >>

"The proposed regulations would ... Require plans and issuers to collect and evaluate outcomes data and take action to address material differences in access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits as compared to medical/surgical benefits ... Codify the requirement that plans and issuers conduct meaningful comparative analyses to measure the impact of non-qualified treatment limitations (NQTLs). This includes evaluating standards related to network composition, out-of-network reimbursement rates, and prior authorization NQTLs."  MORE >>

"If finalized, the regulations would force insurers to study patient outcomes to make sure the physical and mental care benefits are administered equally. Insurers would have to take into account their provider network and reimbursement rates and whether prior authorization is required for care."  MORE >>

22 page. "Minnesota’s recently enacted paid family and medical leave program ... will begin collecting contributions and paying benefits in 2026. Employers and employees will pay equal shares of the contributions. Eligible employees will have 12 weeks each of family leave and medical leave, but combined benefits cannot exceed 20 weeks in a benefit year."  MORE >>

18 pages. "Employer and employee contributions to fund the program will begin Oct. 1, 2023, and benefits will become available in 2025. Implementing regulations, including employer and employee contribution requirements, are expected before next summer."  MORE >>

"A final rule published [July 25] in the Federal Register extends eligibility to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program to temporary and part-time federal workers, including postal employees, who work at least 130 hours per month for 90 or more days. Additionally, it extends FEDVIP eligibility to temporary and intermittent federal firefighters and other first responders, whose shifts often do not meet the 130-hour per month for at least 90 days threshold."  MORE >>

"Tech-focused insurance brokerage and retirement advisory firm Newfront held ... a hackathon to incorporate artificial intelligence into client-facing products and services ... The results contributed to an AI-driven workplace benefits chatbot ... [R]etirement plan services and inquiries are part of the offering and are on track for further development.... In late June, a firm representative [showed] the Congressional AI Caucus in Washington ... how the firm's benefits bot answers questions about areas such as health savings account plans and flexible spending accounts[.]"  MORE >>

"In the second quarter of 2023, parental entitlements were again a hot issue, with new legislation coming out of Portugal, Switzerland, and the UK. Retirement and pension reforms broke borders with changes launching in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. Meanwhile, Monaco launched its own retirement fund, moving away from participating in France’s pension program."  MORE >>