"Minnesota's new paid family and medical leave law will take effect on January 1, 2026. However, starting on August 1, 2024, pregnant workers can take prenatal medical leave without it counting against their twelve weeks of parental leave. Employers must offer the same health benefits during pregnancy and parental leave, contributing to the health benefits as if the employee were working."  MORE >>

"In affirming the decision of the district court, the Eighth Circuit noted that the standard of review is one for clear error. The district court cited ample evidence in the record showing that Plaintiff lacked sedentary-work capacity, including opinions of her treating physicians and Plaintiff’s favorable Social Security Disability Insurance determination." [Weyer v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., No. 23-2862 (8th Cir. Jul. 30, 2024)]  MORE >>

"The Michigan Supreme Court's Opinion voids ... the current Michigan Paid Medical Leave Act and reinstates ... the Earned Sick Time Act as [it was] originally adopted by the Michigan Legislature in September 2018 ... The Court's Opinion also provides for a 205-day period of transition to allow employers to prepare for and comply with these new laws.... Michigan businesses will be required to begin complying with ... the Earned Sick Time Act on February 21, 2025." [Mothering Justice v. Attorney General, No. 165325 (Mich. Jul. 31, 2024)]  MORE >>

"How companies can mitigate risks [1] Regular fee benchmarking ... [2] Prudent service provider selection and monitoring ... [3] Transparent fee disclosures ... [4] Fiduciary education ... [5] Working with independent consultants."  MORE >>

"Forty-five percent of insured, working-age adults reported receiving a medical bill or being charged a copayment in the past year for a service they thought should have been free or covered by their insurance. Less than half of those reporting billing errors said they challenged them.... Nearly two of five respondents who challenged their bill said that it was ultimately reduced or eliminated by their insurer.... Nearly six of 10 adults who experienced a coverage denial said their care was delayed as a result."  MORE >>

"Beginning on February 21, 2025, Michigan employers must provide paid sick leave to all of its employees, which under the ESTA means an individual engaged in service to an employer in the business of the employer. This definition will require providing sick leave to not only full-time employees, but also to part-time employees, temporary employees, and independent contractors." [Mothering Justice v. Attorney General, No. 165325 (Mich. Jul. 31, 2024)]   MORE >>

57 pages. "Remote working poses challenges and considerations for employers when devising or adjusting their policies -- these include defining remote work and eligibility criteria, hybrid working arrangements, employee engagement, performance, cybersecurity, health and safety, the right to disconnect, employees who want to relocate to a different country or state, and returning remote workers to the workplace post-pandemic. Recently, several jurisdictions have introduced remote-working legislative measures for after the pandemic that clarify employer and employee requirements, and others are expected to follow suit."  MORE >>