"Beginning in January 2025, Part D sponsors who charge a deductible will be required to allow patients to spread the payment of the deductible ... over 12 months rather than having to pay the full deductible up front.... Other changes taking effect January 1, 2025, include requiring Part D sponsors to ... [1] Cap out-of-pocket costs for a month's supply of each covered insulin product at $35. [2] Limit out-of-pocket drug costs to a maximum of $2,000."  MORE >>

"OCR urges covered entities to review cybersecurity measures 'with urgency' ... Covered entities should address in their risk analysis and risk management plans their due diligence process in selecting business associates, including ensuring that contracts include appropriate provisions to safeguard ePHI. If a covered entity knows of a pattern of activity or practice of a business associate that constitutes a material breach of the contract, it may be obligated to take certain steps to cure the breach and, if those steps are unsuccessful, to terminate the contract."  MORE >>

"A dip in healthcare utilization does not always equate to cost savings. On the contrary, healthcare costs increase year after year because prices are increasing.... HR leaders must be cognizant of cost fluctuations and agile in their benefits strategy. A personalized approach focused on selecting benefits with individual employee needs that address a broad array of conditions is key.... Averages obscure what's really happening in healthcare."  MORE >>

"[E]mployers are increasingly focusing on remote employees' physical and mental well-being. Wellness programs may include gym memberships, health resources, counseling services and stress management initiatives.... [S]ome companies are offering childcare support ... [including] financial subsidies, onsite childcare facilities and flexible scheduling to accommodate parental responsibilities."  MORE >>

"The recent Complaint filed for severance benefits against Elon Musk, X Corp., et.al., serves as a reminder that it is as important to clearly establish the fiduciary governance structure over severance plans subject to [ERISA], as it is for other ERISA-governed plans, and to administer such plans in compliance with ERISA, the plan processes and procedures. This case highlights some interesting considerations for plan sponsors and administrators of ERISA severance plans." [Agrawal v. Musk, No. 24-1304 (N.D. Calif. complaint filed Mar. 4, 2024)]  MORE >>

"What resources can I share with employees to be ready for HSA tax filing? ... Can account holders make HSA contributions for the previous tax year? ... What if people accidentally put too much money in their HSA? ... Where can people find HSA tax forms?"  MORE >>

"Several lawsuits pursuing a range of constitutional, statutory, and agency authority challenges to the Medicare drug price negotiation program enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) remain ongoing.... This article examines recent developments in the ongoing litigation seeking to block the implementation of the Medicare drug price negotiation program, including: [1] a March 1, 2024 decision in AstraZeneca's lawsuit; [2] a February 12, 2024 decision dismissing the lawsuit brought by PhRMA and association allies; and [3] what to expect in the other pending lawsuits."  MORE >>