"The requirements of compliance and attestation, read with the assumption that all service providers began to make compliant agreements after December 27, 2020. However, for plan sponsors that review their contracts and find gag clauses or potential gag clauses within, guidance on next steps is very scarce.... Key challenges ... [1] Variety of responses from service providers ... [2] Plan funding arrangements and assistance ... [3] Visibility and attesting with certainty."  MORE >>

"A new California law taking effect Jan. 1 targets the kind of 'surprise' ambulance bills that ... take the form of out-of-network charges for commercially insured patients who have no control over which ambulance company responds to a call for help. Under the new law, patients will only have to pay the equivalent of what they would have paid for an in-network service. Health insurance and ambulance companies will have to settle the bill directly even if they don't have an existing contract."  MORE >>

"More scrutiny has evolved over time for prescription drugs, but employers will want to examine their options and determine what makes the most sense for their employees and their corporate goals and culture.... Telehealth flexibility (permitting access at no or very low cost even with health savings account-qualified plans) is due to expire after 2024. New and more expensive cancer treatments are in the pipeline. Additional use of on-site or near-site clinics as an integral aspect of the employer health care plan."  MORE >>

"Private equity acquisition was associated with increased hospital-acquired adverse events, including falls and central line-associated bloodstream infections, along with a larger but less statistically precise increase in surgical site infections.... These findings heighten concerns about the implications of private equity on health care delivery."  MORE >>

"A new federal pilot program aims to use text messaging to send critical service updates about federal benefits to people ... The digital notification service ... sends text messages about application deadlines, interview reminders, fraud reduction and other critical service updates to those who opt-in for the service[.]"  MORE >>

"The IRMAA is calculated on a sliding scale with five income brackets topping out at $500,000 and $750,000 for individual and joint filing, respectively. These figures change annually with inflation.... Whether you pay an IRMAA in 2024 depends on your 2022 tax returns."  MORE >>

"Navigating the world of disability insurance claims with diabetes can be complex, as the disease uniquely affects each person's capacity to maintain their professional responsibilities. This article aims to break down the process, providing clarity and support to those grappling with diabetes diagnosis or the disability insurance benefits for diabetes."  MORE >>