47 pages. "This report provides an overview of PFML in the United States, summarizes state-level family and medical leave insurance program provisions, reviews PFML policies in other advanced-economy countries, and describes recent federal legislative action to increase access to paid family leave." [R44835 updated Sep. 25, 2023]  MORE >>

"Given the changes to employee demographics because of the pandemic, it's increasingly likely that employees who worked in San Francisco are now working somewhere else that may not be within the boundaries of the Ordinance ... Conversely, employers could also become subject to the HCSO if they have employees who telework and live in San Francisco or visit clients or provide services to companies located in San Francisco."  MORE >>

"Plaintiffs argued that defendants violated the Parity Act because Anthem's internal guidelines permit discharging residential mental health patients at any time after their admittance, but only allow discharging medical/surgical patients 'after they are provided with a course of treatment and have completed [at least] two stages of their planned course of treatment.' The court agreed with plaintiffs both that these internal guidelines made a distinction between mental healthcare and other types of healthcare and these disparate discharge criteria violated the Parity Act." [K.D. v. Anthem Blue Cross, No. 21-0343(D. Utah Sep. 20, 2023)]  MORE >>

"Although at an early stage, the case provides several important takeaways for employer plan administrators. First, it underscores the importance of ensuring that group health plan claim reviews and appeals are conducted in accordance with ERISA and the plan terms and that external claim reviews are completed within the federally required timeframes. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that equitable relief under ERISA can potentially encompass monetary relief for plaintiffs, provided specific requirements are satisfied." [Rose v. PSA Airlines, Inc., No. 21-2207 (4th Cir. Sep. 11, 2023)]   MORE >>

"For a whopping 89% of the American workforce, health insurance is the most important benefit of work, according to a recent survey. With nearly 159 million Americans relying on employer-sponsored health coverage, [the authors] looked at what benefits the top five American companies offer to their employees."  MORE >>

"[A]verage premiums, benefits, and plan choices for Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Part D prescription drug program will remain stable in 2024.... Enrollment in Medicare Advantage is projected to increase from 31.6 million in 2023 to 33.8 million in 2024. The projected Medicare Advantage enrollment in 2024 will represent approximately 50% of all people enrolled in Medicare, compared to approximately 48% for 2023.... [V]iew the premiums and costs of 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans."  MORE >>

"If Medicare is successful in lowering the cost of certain prescriptions, that means drug companies will be looking to recoup lost revenue elsewhere. And the most likely cost-shifting destinations may be the price of other drugs in general and/or specifically targeting commercial plans."  MORE >>