"In the 50 years since its enactment ... ERISA has been amended numerous times to address an array of health plan concerns -- from protecting the privacy of individuals' health information to shielding them from surprise medical bills.... This article highlights the rise of ERISA health plan compliance and litigation over the past half-century."  MORE >>

"[T]he U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability issued letters to executives of three of the nation's largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), accusing them of providing false testimony before Congress. Each letter outlines the allegedly false statements and the evidence that the statements contradict.... The letters give the PBMs until September 11, 2024, to correct the Congressional Record."  MORE >>

"Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor has released a report detailing how the Department of Human Services failed to adequately oversee pharmacy benefit managers that provide prescription drug services for Pennsylvanians enrolled in Medicaid. The result, DeFoor said, meant Pennsylvanians paid an estimated $7 million more for the Medicaid program in 2022 alone."  MORE >>

"[T]he Health Out-of-Pocket Expense (HOPE) Act ... [would] create a tax-advantaged account that enables millions of Americans with most types of insurance coverage to save for health care costs through both individual and employer contributions.... A HOPE Account would be similar to a Roth savings account and provide certain tax advantages and investment options for individuals and families to save for future health care expenses[.]"  MORE >>

"What is an employee benefits broker? ... Why do you need an employee benefits broker? ... Before you start your search ... Finding potential brokers ... Evaluating potential brokers ... Interviewing prospects ... Making your decision ... Additional considerations."  MORE >>

"The IRS has just released a private letter ruling (PLR 202434006) ... that allows eligible employees to make an annual election before the start of each year to direct [the employer contribution] to be ... [1] Contributed to the employee's defined contribution plan account as an employer contribution; [2] Contributed to the employee's [HSA], subject to the regular HSA statutory limits; [3] Used for the employee's student loan reimbursements through an educational assistance plan ... [4] Contributed to a retiree [HRA]. Employees would not have the right to receive the employer funds in cash or as any other taxable benefit."  MORE >>