"The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) provided for gradual improvements to Medicare Part D benefits beginning in 2023. A $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will apply, effectively making the benefit available through Medicare more generous and potentially impacting the creditable status of employer sponsored plans."  MORE >>

"[T]he J&J plan funding is distinct from the typical funding of employer-sponsored group health plans because it is funded through a voluntary employee benefits association (VEBA).... [F]unds held in such a trust -- segregated from the employer's general assets -- are considered ERISA 'plan assets' and subject to ERISA fiduciary protections, including the duties of loyalty and prudence. As a result, certain aspects of the case, and perhaps any resulting decision, may be limited in applicability." [Lewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson, No. 23-0671 (D.N.J. complaint filed Feb. 5, 2024)]  MORE >>

"The first question for plan sponsors to consider is whether, in light of the fact that embryos can no longer legally be destroyed in Alabama, the plan can or should cover the cost of preserving embryos in perpetuity ... which is very expensive.... [P]lan sponsors should consider whether to add or extend travel benefits to cover travel expenses so participants can access IVF benefits in other states.... [and] whether to cover travel expenses where the purpose of the travel is to transport the embryo outside the state of Alabama for destruction." [LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine, P.C., Nos. SC-2022-0515, SC-2022-0579 (Ala. Feb. 16, 2024)]  MORE >>

"UnitedHealth Group (UHG) expects to begin testing and restoring its Change Healthcare unit's medical claims processing system during the week of March 18, about a month after the system was hacked.... Electronic prescribing with claim submission and payment transmission is now fully functional in its pharmacy services, and its payments platform should be ready for connection on March 15, UHG said."  MORE >>

"[T]he 'downtime' of the 'off-season' is an excellent opportunity to get ahead of the curve and implement employee benefits strategy best practices. [1] Lay the groundwork for top-notch employee benefits communications.... [2] Analyze benefits utilization data and enhance your employee benefits portfolio.... [3] Prepare, test, and refine your supporting resources for open enrollment."  MORE >>

"While young professionals tend to champion mental health and investing in their physical and emotional well-being, Inspira found that nearly one-third of employees younger than 30 contribute nothing to their HSA annually (a higher figure than any other generation), and only 14% contribute more than $3,000 per year (a lower percentage than any other generation)."  MORE >>

"[I]nsufficient physical activity is associated with up to 5 million premature deaths every year and estimates suggest that one in five deaths worldwide are now associated with poor diet, with 1.5 billion people predicted to be obese by 2035. The World Health Organization estimates that 27.5% of adults and 81% of adolescents are physically inactive. If this level of inactivity maintains, new cases of preventable non-communicable diseases (such as type 2 diabetes) will cost health systems $27 billion each year."  MORE >>