"The updated rule would require both plans and plan sponsors to safeguard electronic protected health information consistent with the HIPAA Security Rule. Plans and plan sponsors would need to adopt plan amendments, as well as contingency plans for emergencies that could compromise their electronic data systems. Public comments on the proposed revised Security Rule are due by March 7, 2025"  MORE >>

43 pages. "This report summarizes the principal rules governing HSAs, covering such matters as eligibility, qualifying health insurance, contributions, withdrawals, and tax advantages. It concludes with a discussion of HSA data limitations and recent trends in HDHP enrollment and HSA utilization." [R45277 updated Feb. 11, 2025]  MORE >>

"This comprehensive resource provides employers and benefits professionals with key details of applicable disability and paid family leave laws across the states that mandate employers have related coverage. This resource includes the latest information on eligibility, covered conditions, weekly statutory benefits, and more." [Free registration required to download 44-page state-by-state guide.]  MORE >>

"More than one-third of all states have some form of accrued paid leave requirement; 18 states (including three with laws that take effect in 2025) and Washington, DC, require paid sick leave, with three other states requiring accrued paid time off that can be used for any reason."  MORE >>

"Daniel Aronowitz has been officially nominated by the White House to become next Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). He is the President of Euclid Fiduciary (now Encore Fiduciary), a fiduciary liability insurance underwriting company for employee benefit plans. His experience in the professional liability industry includes expertise as a coverage lawyer and underwriter."  MORE >>

"[1] If you're self-funded, consider covering the cost (or a portion of the cost) ... [2] Offer an HSA, FSA, or HRA ... [3] Get the most out of your carriers ... [4] Offer wellness stipends ... [5] Invest in employee nutrition benefits ... [6] Provide access to wellness technology[.]"  MORE >>

"The story of Zolgensma lays bare a confounding reality about modern drug development, in which revolutionary new treatments are becoming available only to be priced out of reach for many. It's a story that upends commonly held conceptions that high drug prices reflect huge industry investments in innovation. Most of all, it's a story that prompts, again and again, an increasingly urgent question: Do medical advances really have to be this expensive?"  MORE >>

"Payouts to shareholders of large publicly traded health companies more than tripled over the past two decades, new research shows. In 2022, these companies paid $170 billion to shareholders in dividends and stock buybacks, a 315% increase over the $54 billion paid out in 2001 ... Consumers and employers ultimately contributed to corporate health profits by paying for insurance premiums, out-of-pocket medical bills and taxes[.]"  MORE >>

"More than half of U.S. employees have chronic health conditions, and three-quarters of those workers have had to spend time managing their health on the job in the past year ... The majority of employees interviewed said they feel their workplace is at least somewhat supportive of allowing employees to take breaks, go on paid leave or work a flexible schedule. But 46% said they think their employer could be doing more to support employees with chronic conditions."  MORE >>

"In order to mitigate the negative downstream effects, company leaders should commit to fostering an organizational culture and ethos that makes the mental health of its employees a priority.... Craft your workplace culture.... Lead from the front.... Continue to leverage your wellness benefits."  MORE >>

"The premium subsidies that helped Marketplace enrollment expand to 24 million are set to expire at the end of 2025. Congress and the Trump Administration must now decide whether and how to extend these subsidies, with impact to both enrollees and the Marketplace."  MORE >>

"There is a telltale sign that you are a true benefit nerd ... you have printouts of the annual benefit plan limits tacked to the wall by your desk."  MORE >>

153 pages. "This strategic plan begins by offering a brief history of ERISA, what it was designed to achieve, and other significant events affecting the U.S. labor market. It then reviews the fundamental elements of the Council's prior strategic plans and identifies the organization's foundational vision and values. These include: [1] The value of tax incentives for benefit plans and principles for smart tax policy.... [2] ERISA's primacy, and the balancing act between federal and state action.... [3] The critical partnership between people, employers and government.... [4] The importance of bipartisanship for stable benefits policy.... [5] Flexibility drives coverage and innovation."  MORE >>

"[1] Range of services ... [2] Technology and integration ... [3] Customer service ... [4] Cost and value ... [5] Reporting and analytics "  MORE >>

"Form 5500 is an annual report that contains information about a company's benefits, including welfare benefit plans (including medical, dental, life insurance and disability benefits), retirement plans, fully-insured plans, and self-funded plans. [This update covers] the essentials of Form 5500, including who is required to file, the filing deadline, and the potential penalties for failing to file."  MORE >>