"This is the fourth season of RxDC reporting, which is due annually each year by June 1 to report on the prior calendar year. Employers are typically responsible for collecting and providing to their reporting vendor certain information referred to as the 'P2' plan information and 'D1' average monthly premium information. Last year, CMS simplified the D1 average monthly premium calculation."  MORE >>

"[H]ealth benefit plans must submit data detailing reimbursement rates, claims paid, and pharmacy network retention. A health benefit plan is any individual or group plan issued by a health care payor to Arkansas residents.... Health care payors include carriers, HMOs, and entities that manage self-funded health plans, including government plans."  MORE >>

"The church argues that an employer who purchases a no-abortion health plan still 'indirectly facilitates' abortion access. But [the Ninth Circuit] rejected that argument as well, writing: 'The general disapproval of the actions that others might decide to take does not create standing, even when some tenuous connection may exist between the disapproving plaintiff and the offense-causing action.' " [Cedar Park Assembly of God of Kirkland, Washington v. Kreidler, No. 23-35560 (9th Cir. Mar. 6, 2025)]  MORE >>

"Skyrocketing costs, increased fiduciary risk, and a constantly evolving legal and political landscape all are impacting the ability of employers to effectively provide healthcare benefits. Nonetheless, employers appear dedicated to continuing to provide these benefits, with an estimated 43% of employers increasing their healthcare expenditures ... Only four percent of employers reported reducing their healthcare expenditures."  MORE >>

"Certain policies, such as allowing the enhanced premium tax credits to expire, increasing the availability of plans that do not adhere to existing rules, and selling insurance across state lines, could lead to higher premiums, and reduced insurer competition and consumer choice. Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and high-risk pools could improve the individual market but, if not carefully designed and implemented, could lead to higher premiums or market instability."  MORE >>

"ERISA penalties have been adjusted for inflation, which means the costs of non-compliance for employers have increased. This article will explore the various penalties under ERISA, the adjustments made for inflation, and how these changes impact employers and employees alike."  MORE >>

"A 65-year-old man enrolled in a Medigap plan with average premiums will need to have saved $109,000 to have a 50 percent chance of having enough to cover premiums and median prescription drug expenditures, and a 65-year-old woman will need to have saved $133,000. To have a 90 percent chance of meeting their health care spending needs in retirement, a man will need to have saved $191,000, and a woman will need to have saved $226,000."  MORE >>