"Implementation of and compliance with Oregon leave laws is increasingly complicated because of the overlap and intersection of [Paid Leave Oregon, Oregon Family Medical Leave Act, Oregon Sick Time Law], and the FMLA. Each leave program has different qualifying circumstances and eligibility requirements. The definition of 'family member' differs between these Oregon laws and the FMLA, as could the applicable 'benefit year.' "  MORE >>

"[T]he Earned Sick Time Act will replace the Paid Medical Leave Act effective February 21, 2025.... [T]he Earned Sick Time Act is a significantly more pro-employee mandate than the current standards under the Paid Medical Leave Act, and will provide more generous paid sick leave rights than many other states."  MORE >>

"In litigation resulting from a health provider's use of tracking technologies on its websites, a New York district court declined to dismiss individuals' claims under the federal Wiretap Act, based on an alleged criminal violation of [HIPAA], at the motion to dismiss stage. The court concluded that the individuals sufficiently alleged that the provider intentionally disclosed individually identifiable health information (IIHI) without consent for commercial gain, in violation of HIPAA." [Cooper v. Mount Sinai Health Sys., Inc., No. 23-9485 (S.D.N.Y. July 30, 2024)]  MORE >>

"There's no time better than the present for plan sponsors to ensure they are minimizing risk, following their fiduciary obligations, and stepping up their oversight. Action steps include considering the formation of a health and welfare benefits committee to monitor ERISA benefits, including the selection of service providers, reviewing contract terms, ensuring appropriate value for the price, and monitoring service providers and aggregate costs."  MORE >>

"In 2021, the U.S. spent nearly twice as much per capita on health as these comparable countries did. Most of the additional dollars the U.S. spends on health go to providers for inpatient and outpatient care. The U.S. also spends more on administrative costs, and significantly less on long-term care."  MORE >>

"3 in 5 Americans (60%; up 20% from 2023) have avoided common recommended health screenings.... [Many young Americans] admit to putting off a checkup beyond the recommended timeframe at least occasionally -- 84% of millennials and 82% of Gen Z -- at higher rates than the general population (77%).... 70% of Gen Z and 67% of millennials [are] primarily using urgent care or the emergency room for their health care needs."  MORE >>

"The number of semaglutide fills increased by 442% between January 2021 and December 2023, with Ozempic accounting for over 70% or more of semaglutide fills during this period ... Increases in monthly semaglutide fills were observed across all payment methods for all 3 drug brands between 2021 and 2023. However, semaglutide prescriptions paid through commercial insurance persistently accounted for most fills for all 3 drug brands, particularly for Wegovy."  MORE >>

"As regulators consider how mergers involving PBMs affect competition, they should also consider the clinical and financial benefits for patients of merging pharmacy and medical benefits through integration between PBMs and health insurers.... In today's health care system, with its emphasis on value-based care, the siloing of medical and drug benefits creates several obstacles."  MORE >>

"[T]he court is going to issue an updated ruling on the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction by no later than Aug. 30, 2024.... [which] will not leave much time for compliance by Sept. 4 (particularly given the weekend in between is a holiday weekend).... Compliance would include sending out the required notice on or before Sept. 4, and ensuring no new noncompetes are required of employees beginning on Sept. 4."  MORE >>