"[P]lans should ensure that their comparative analyses and fiduciary certification(s) are completed in the near term. Additionally, while the relevant data evaluation requirements don't take effect until 2026, meeting these requirements may require establishing new processes for data collection and measurement. These processes may take time to develop and implement and should be in place long enough in advance of the requirements taking effect that sufficient data will be available for analysis."  MORE >>

"Practical steps for compliance: [1] Evaluate vendor cybersecurity practices ... [2] Strengthen contracts ... [3] Conduct independent annual cybersecurity audits ... [4] Educate plan participants ... [5] Monitor and document oversight activities ... [6] Implement required cybersecurity controls ... [7] Conduct annual penetration testing."  MORE >>

"[The authors] provide a background of the current rules, highlights of the new Proposed Rule, [their] predictions on whether the Proposed Rule will move forward under the Trump Administration, and what HIPAA covered entities and business associates should be considering now."  MORE >>

40 pages. Topics: [1] Changes to employer reporting requirements under the ACA; [2] New year brings new tri-agency FAQs about gag clause prohibitions and attestations, No Surprises Act; [3] Health plan impact of HHS's proposed HIPAA Security Rule update.  MORE >>

"[P]laintiffs [claim] that UnitedHealth relies on an algorithm to deny rehabilitation care to seriously ill patients, even as UnitedHealth is aware that the algorithm has 'a 90% error rate.' ... The class-action lawsuit was filed by past patients or their heirs who had a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan." [Estate of Lokken v. UnitedHealth Group, Inc., No. 23-3514 (D. Minn. Feb. 13, 2025)]  MORE >>

19 pages. "For small employers, there are, broadly speaking, three commonly encountered alternative approaches that have gained traction in the marketplace.... This Special Report examines and explains these options available to, and the obstacles routinely encountered by, small employers as they seek to make affordable health insurance coverage available to employees and their families."  MORE >>

"Companies are addressing the demand for GLP-1 drugs ... Helping employees understand their benefits ... Employers turn to family care solutions and LSA's to support their RTO strategy ... Mental health continues to be a priority, but employers are unsure about AI."  MORE >>

"[I]ncreasing health care costs are again anticipated to reshape organizational approaches to managing employer-sponsored health care plans ... [F]or 2025, employers aren't just focusing on compensation and are increasingly recognizing the need to emphasize employee wellness.... [F]ollowing the 2024 election and the return of the Trump administration, employers are keeping their eyes out for imminent changes to the health care system."  MORE >>

"Prior to the end of the Biden administration, a number of proposed and final regulations were issued that impact retirement and welfare benefit plans. The final regulations are effective in 2025, and the proposed regulations, if finalized, would be effective in 2026.... [1] New relief on ACA employer mandate penalties.... [2] IRS anticipates a delay in applicability date for future SECURE 2.0 required minimum distribution regulations.... [3] IRS proposes regulations on SECURE 2.0 Act catch-up provisions."  MORE >>