"This correcting document identifies and corrects errors in [final regs] of October 11, 2023.... [T]he corrections are effective December 11, 2023.... [CMS] made technical errors in the amendatory instructions as well as the headings, entries, and table notes in the civil monetary penalty adjustment table[.]"  MORE >>

"[T]he proposed rules will not be finalized until after the PLAWA takes effect on January 1, 2024 ... Covered employees ... Independent contractor test ... Frontloading paid leave ... Mixed-earning policies ... 'Qualifying pre-existing paid leave policy' ... Denial of PLAWA leave ... Carry over of PLAWA leave ... Payment of paid leave upon separation from employment ... Reinstatement of leave upon rehire ... Notice and accounting ... Local paid leave ordinances."  MORE >>

"The amendment provides that covered employees are entitled to take up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year and another 40 hours of paid leave to use for any reason. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection may impose fines for violations and aggrieved employees may bring a private action."  MORE >>

"In litigation under Section 1557 of the [ACA], a Pennsylvania district court concluded that a health plan participant plausibly alleged that the plan insurer's coverage denial for facial feminization surgery and related procedures was intentionally discriminatory based on sex in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972." [Doe v. Indep. Blue Cross, No. 23-1530 (E.D. Penn. Nov. 21, 2023)]  MORE >>

"The court rejected Health Net's argument that Plaintiffs fail to state a claim because applying the InterQual Criteria was ostensibly consistent with MHPAEA regulations. Even if a court were to find that the InterQual Criteria qualify as generally accepted standards, no such finding follows from Plaintiffs' allegations and Plaintiffs have stated a claim under MHPAEA." [E.W. v. Health Net Life Ins. Co., No. 21-4110 (10th Cir. Nov. 21, 2023)]  MORE >>

"Over the last several years, courts have provided administrators and their attorneys with guidance on how to limit the impact of this common structural conflict of interest. When defending against denial of benefits claims ... defendant plan administrators should be aware of whether the conflict of interest exists and address it proactively to avoid negative inferences."  MORE >>

"The benefit, which kicked off Nov. 1 for most Walmart workers nationwide, covers up to $1,000 for doula services during pregnancy and is part of a suite of benefits offered through the company's 'Life with Baby' program, which is available to associates on most employee medical plans."  MORE >>

"High healthcare costs lead many Americans to delay or forgo necessary medical treatment. A 2020 Gallup poll found that one in four Americans have delayed treatment for serious medical conditions due to the cost."  MORE >>

"For employees navigating the complex landscape of healthcare coverage provided by their employers, understanding ERISA is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ERISA's impact on employer-sponsored health insurance plans and the rights bestowed upon employees within this framework."  MORE >>

"[I]ndividuals and businesses affected by severe storms and flooding in parts of Illinois ... now have until Feb. 15, 2024, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments ... [I]ndividuals and households affected by severe storms and flooding that reside or have a business in Cook County qualify for tax relief."  MORE >>

"[I]ndividuals and businesses affected by elevated levels of lead and copper in the water supply in the Island of St. Croix ... now have until Feb. 29, 2024, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments."  MORE >>