"[In] specified counties, plans (and insurers) must provide interpretive services, including answering questions, in the applicable non-English languages. English-language SBCs provided in the specified counties must include a one-sentence statement in the applicable languages clearly indicating how to access the plan's language services."  MORE >>

"This article analyzes the NQTL Regulations and two recent decisions adopting standards for pleading a claim under the Parity Act based on an alleged violation of the NQTL Regulations, and offers several steps employers and claims administrators should consider in seeking to avoid litigation of Parity Act claims."  MORE >>

"Three important recent developments concerning the PLL include: [1] new guidance from Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED) for employees and employers, [2] amendments to the PLL signed into law by Governor Tim Walz on May 24, 2024, which allow for increases to payroll taxes to implement the PLL and [3] amendments which provide a comprehensive scheme for appeals and calculating benefit amounts, among other changes."  MORE >>

"The final regulations define discrimination 'on the basis of sex' to include pregnancy or related conditions.... An exemption is provided for any portion of the rule that 'would violate applicable Federal protections for religious freedom and conscience.' There is also an administrative process for recipients to seek an assurance of exemption in writing from the application of a provision of Section 1557."  MORE >>

"The plaintiff states allege two central arguments: that the inclusion of 'gender identity' in the definition of 'sex discrimination' is contrary to the ACA's embrace of a 'biological-binary' understanding of 'sex' and that the 2024 Rule coerces the states and subverts their authority to make policy judgments about the propriety of providing 'gender-transition treatments to minors' and covering certain treatments for gender dysphoria." [Tennessee v. Becerra, No. 24-0161 (S.D. Miss. complaint filed May 30, 2024)]  MORE >>

"California is the ninth state ... to set annual health spending targets. Massachusetts, which started annual spending targets in 2013, ... [is] the only one old enough to have a substantial pre-pandemic track record, and its results are mixed: The annual health spending increases were below the target in three of the first five years and dropped beneath the national average. But more recently, health spending has greatly increased."  MORE >>

"In many cases, HSA funds can be invested like 401(k)s and IRAs, rather than just functioning as a savings account. Assuming a 7.5% rate of investment return, that the IRS annual maximum contributions are made over 40 years, distributions are never taken, and $1,000 catch-up contributions are made each year between the ages of 55 and 64, individuals would enter retirement with an HSA balance of $1.03 million."  MORE >>

"Employers could partner with insurers to use more innovative cost-sharing structures in the health insurance benefits offered to their employees. In addition, they could increase the use of benefit designs that distribute costs more equitably, which may improve affordability for low- to middle-income workers."  MORE >>

"For many employers, cutting programming does not often yield the best results, leading many to search for alternative ways to influence overall costs, such as implementing centers of excellence to target the management of certain conditions including orthopedic, cardiac, and cancer diagnoses.... Many employers are also seeing success through employee incentives for the use of preventative offerings such as initial primary care visits or biometric screenings[.]"  MORE >>

"[B]eing physically separated from each other can put people in a state of physiologic stress, which, when prolonged, could become chronic and damage physical and emotional health.... Organizations can implement various strategies ... [1] Encourage open communication ... [2] Facilitate social activities ... [3] Promote inclusivity ... [4] Support mentorship and peer support programs ... [5] Provide flexible work arrangements."  MORE >>

"[Cigna, the parent company of Express Scripts,] said in its lawsuit that the company would be 'immediately and irreparably harmed' if Bricker were allowed to join CVS given her experience at Express Scripts.... Cigna argued that if Bricker were allowed to join CVS she would 'inevitably' be asked to reveal trade secrets from her former company. Her knowledge of Express Scripts' business could be used by CVS to develop products and offerings that compete with it directly." [Cigna Corp. v. Bricker, No. 23-2455 (8th Cir. Jun. 5, 2024)]  MORE >>

"In some ways, the savings clause in ERISA's preemption provision supports state activity regulating health plans ... However, state laws imposing new rules and reporting obligations relating benefit plans are not limited to health insurance.... [O]ther areas seeing increased state activity include prescription drugs and paid leave."  MORE >>

"[I]ndividuals and businesses in Iowa that were affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred on May 20, 2024. These taxpayers now have until Nov. 1, 2024, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.... [I]ndividuals and households that reside or have a business in Adair, Montgomery, Polk, and Story counties qualify for tax relief."  MORE >>