"Plan sponsors that have relied on the Departments' delay with respect to the prescription drug machine-readable file requirements ... and the associated delayed enforcement ... should work with their carrier or TPA to confirm compliance (in writing).... To be clear, this is a totally separate requirement from the RxDC report required under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021."  MORE >>

"Plan sponsors of fully insured health plans ... [should] obtain written confirmation that the health insurance issuer has agreed to provide the price comparison tool on their website ... Plan sponsors of self-insured ... health plans ... [should] contract with the TPA to confirm that they are providing this tool and that this responsibility is addressed in a written agreement.... Unlike fully insured plans, the legal responsibility for this tool stays with a self-insured plan even if its service provider agrees to provide the price comparison tool on [the plan sponsor's] behalf."  MORE >>

"Although Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time mandate does not preempt related ordinances enacted in four Minnesota cities, the changes to Bloomington's Ordinance clearly align with language implemented by Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) legislation."  MORE >>

"It is yet to be seen how the City of Racine litigation will be affected by this statutory change, as the statutory change arguably conflicts with the Circuit Court's decision.... The collective bargaining law no longer prohibits negotiations over whether or not the employer will provide health care coverage.... The legislative intent statement does not indicate that the law is to be applied retroactively."  MORE >>

"Plan and claims administrators should follow the plan's claims and appeals provisions to avoid inadvertently triggering complainant-friendly review standards. Minimize risk in disputes by understanding how healthcare providers can assert ERISA rights against a plan. Exercise caution when handling document requests and/or disputing plan reimbursements -- failure to properly handle these requests can result in liability."  MORE >>

"Although there is no federal law that requires employers to provide their employees with time off to vote, currently, 31 states and the District of Columbia have these provisions, some of which are paid and others unpaid. For companies with a workforce spread across states, it may be beneficial to extend the same leave benefits to all employees, regardless of location."  MORE >>