"The revised guidance allows employers to apply the terms of their policy to control whether and how employees can use paid time under their policy to top up PFML benefits, eliminating a number of administrative complications and making clear that an employer's leave policy will control whether and how an employee can use employer-paid benefits to top off PFML benefits provided by the Commonwealth."  MORE >>

"California's sick time entitlements will increase significantly under both the 'frontloading' and 'accrual' methods. The law specifies calculation formulas for both exempt and non-exempt employees, as well as posting and notification requirements. Employers do not need separate PTO and sick time policies, but combined policies can create compliance complications with sick time laws."  MORE >>

"GLP-1 drug prices cost $10,000 a year or more.... Even if it was not so expensive, the overwhelming demand for these drugs would likely impact spending.... Controlling overprescription is possible, as evidenced by the declining prescription rates for both Xanax and opioids. But it took decades of excessive spending to achieve those lower rates. GLP-1s could follow a similar trajectory if healthcare leaders and employers are not careful."  MORE >>

"Big pharma companies including Pfizer are planning to raise prices on more than 500 drugs this month ... The price hikes come ahead of the Biden Administration's announced plan to publish discounted rates for 10 drugs in September as part of its price negotiation program with drugmakers. The discounted rates are scheduled to take effect in 2026."  MORE >>

"FSAs can encourage employees to plan and budget for annual medical expenses. Those expenses don't include the vitamins, healthy food, or gym memberships that we choose to purchase. Should they? Should tax policy encourage and reward ... healthier choices by expanding the use of FSAs? Some companies -- intermediaries between consumers, FSA providers, and health and wellness industries -- think the answer is yes."  MORE >>

"While reducing the cost of IDR is desirable ... changes like this may also encourage greater use of IDR, at least partially offsetting any savings from reducing the costs incurred per disputed service. The Departments' proposed changes may also disproportionately reduce the costs that providers bear in IDR, which may give providers more leverage in negotiations with insurers and raise negotiated prices."  MORE >>

"[It] is crucial for companies to conduct frequent benchmarking and measure their benefits offerings against their industry peers. However, offering a competitive suite of benefits is often a juggling act for plan sponsors, as budgeting concerns come into play, and placing too much of a cost burden on the employee or the employer can be detrimental to the organization as a whole[.]"  MORE >>