"The answer is probably yes for the HRA, and no for the health FSA.... CMS officials have informally stated that a single, combined disclosure notice covering both an HRA and another group health plan offered by the same employer is permitted, if the non-HRA plan is a non-account plan and the Part D eligible individual participates in both the non- account plan and the HRA.... Sponsors of health FSAs, by contrast, are not required to provide disclosure notices to Part D-eligible individuals because of a specific exception in CMS guidance."  MORE >>

"A self-insured health plan sponsor is liable for all compliance with HIPAA even though sponsors delegate most administration to vendors. These delegations ... should be set forth in the health plan's policies and procedures manual, which will need to be updated for both the Part 2 Rules and the Final Rule.... The HIPAA language in the health plan document will need to be updated for both the Part 2 Rules and the Final Rule."  MORE >>

"For now, Braidwood remains embroiled in ongoing litigation with no immediate impact.... If the case ever returns to the trial court, in addition to reexamining the question of whether the ACIP and HRSA recommendations will meet the same fate as the USPSTF recommendations, the court could allow the plaintiffs to fix the technical problem identified by the appeals court and again strike down preventive coverage nationwide, not just for plans purchased by the plaintiffs." [Braidwood Mgmt, Inc. v. Becerra, No. 23-10326 (5th Cir. Jun. 21, 2024)]  MORE >>

"[M]ore full-time employees (+10%), part-time employees (+16%), and dependents (+2%) are being offered mental health resources compared to last year's survey. Respondents also indicated that their organizations have increasingly sufficient access to meaningful data on utilization and engagement. Survey results also suggest a shift in how these resources are being promoted within organizations, with the results indicating less active engagement from leadership and management, and an increased role for third-party vendors."  MORE >>

"[Dayton area businesses] are now offering access to things like on-demand counseling and therapy sessions to subscriptions for meditation and mindfulness apps, personal fitness resources and other tools that can provide some immediate support.... Employee assistance programs are a tool frequently used by employers of all sizes and industries ... and what those programs might include has evolved over the years."  MORE >>

"It might depend on your health insurance. Some insurers will pay for one but not the other, [one doctor] said.... She has prescribed both to patients but says her choice often is determined by the patient's insurance. 'Insurance companies dictate so much of what we can do,' [she said].... Another consideration might be other medical conditions the drugs could help with."  MORE >>

"[M]ore than 184 million people or 61% of the population, are expected to have a type of [cardiovascular disease (CVD)] by 2050. This projection is driven by a mix of an older, more diverse population and a significant increase in high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.... By 2050, the anticipated increase in CVD is expected to triple costs, having a $1.8 trillion price tag in total costs[.]"  MORE >>

"An Illinois law signed last week prohibits health insurers from requiring 'step therapy' -- a practice in which physicians are required to treat covered patients with less expensive treatments before moving to more expensive ones -- and prohibits requiring prior authorization for certain emergency mental health treatment.... The law does not cover self-insured health plans governed by [ERISA]. It is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2025."  MORE >>

"The Plaintiffs reasoned that by limiting the preliminary injunction, all affected businesses must bear the expenses of preparing to comply with the FTC ban when it becomes effective on September 4, 2024 ... Further, they noted, the court already ruled that the Plaintiffs have a likelihood of prevailing on their position that the FTC exceeded its authority in adopting the ban. On July 11, 2024, the court denied the motion to reconsider[.]" [Ryan LLC v. Federal Trade Commission, No. 24-0986 (N.D. Tex. Jul. 3, 2024; motion for reconsideration denied Jul. 11, 2024)]  MORE >>