17 pages. "[CMS] issues annual guidance describing the thresholds it will use ... to evaluate the sufficiency of EDGE server data for a given benefit year, including the format and timeline for baseline data submission. [This bulletin describes] the operational processes and metrics for when and how CMS intends to evaluate the sufficiency of data in terms of the 'quantity' and 'quality' of an issuer's EDGE server data submissions for benefit year (BY) 2023"  MORE >>

"[In 2024] employers will focus their compliance efforts on: [1] further implementing Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) requirements; [2] updating fiduciary practices for health and welfare plans; [3] complying with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 ('MHPAEA') and tracking its proposed changes; [4] considering abortion-related plan design changes; and finally, [5] if any action items remain, winding down COVID-19 related group health plan changes."  MORE >>

"The Departments [had] suspended federal IDR process operations in August 2023 after two district court decisions that vacated portions of the NSA's regulations implementing and related guidance. Besides reopening the IDR process (in part), the Departments also temporarily extended certain deadlines involving the IDR process."  MORE >>

"The Privacy Rule addresses using and disclosing individuals’ health information, more commonly known as protected health information or PHI. ... As part of that protection, all Covered Entities are required to have a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA). What is this document, who does it apply to, and is it necessary?"  MORE >>

"[E]ffective January 1, 2024 ... [1] Employers must annually provide five days/40 hours of paid sick leave (PSL) to employees (increased from the current three days/24 hours).... [2] Employers may cap total PSL accruals at 10 days/80 hours (increased from the current six days/40 hours). [3] Employers may limit the amount of accrued PSL employees may carry over annually to five days/40 hours (increased from the current three days/24 hours)."  MORE >>

"The law remains silent as to requiring documentation for use of paid sick leave, which signals that documentation should not be required when an employee is using their five days or 40 hours of paid sick leave protected by California law."  MORE >>

"[F]or employers with private plan exemptions, if your plan is insured, your insurer will be releasing a new contribution rate for CY2024 in the next several weeks. This rate may be different than the State's public plan option. Employers with private plans are allowed to require employees to contribute to the cost of coverage, provided that costs for employees are no greater than their costs would be if they were participating in the State's public plan."  MORE >>

"A new DOL FAQ announced the end of two nonenforcement policies related to the machine-readable files required to be posted under the DOL's Transparency in Coverage rules.... Employers may want to contact their service providers to ensure appropriate processes are being developed to prepare and post the prescription drug machine-readable file."  MORE >>

"[1] Company costs: 69%; [2] Mental health and emotional wellbeing: 63%; [3] Employee experience: 40%; [4] Communication: 38%; [5] Diversity, equity and inclusion: 37%; [6] Employee affordability: 34%."  MORE >>

"Breast cancer has the highest treatment cost of any cancer. In 2020, the treatment cost for breast cancer was three times that of lung cancer, the second most expensive cancer.5 Employers shoulder a large portion of the direct and indirect medical costs, including absenteeism, presenteeism and disability."  MORE >>

"It's important to consider the unique needs of the pre-retiree population as retirement age draws near.... [1] Encourage employees to consider catch-up contributions.... [2] Tell employees they must take action before they are enrolled in Medicare.... [3] Remind employees what happens to their HSA balance once they stop contributing."  MORE >>

"Walmart said it has partnered with virtual healthcare services provider Included Health to expand its online primary care services, which are already available in 21 states. The expansion comes months after Walmart announced plans to open new healthcare centers in the U.S. next year, as the company looks to expand its footing in the industry."  MORE >>

"Nearly three-quarters of employees surveyed expressed a real desire for financial guidance ...  ... [E]mployers can implement programs such as financial coaching. They can and should include everything from information on financial literacy and counseling to planning assistance, savings programs, and debt mitigation strategies. One-on-one support with a specialist, including the option for regular check-ins to support financial wellness throughout employee careers, is also a huge plus."  MORE >>