"Consistent with EO 14219, the Departments intend ... to undertake notice-and-comment rulemaking to consider the need for amendments to the regulatory definition of 'short-term, limited-duration insurance.' Until future rulemaking is issued and applicable, the Departments do not intend to prioritize enforcement actions for violations related to failing to meet the definition of 'short-term, limited-duration insurance' in the 2024 final rules, including the notice provision."  MORE >>

"[EBSA and CMS] issued over 120 enforcement letters during the reporting period ... Plans frequently failed to prepare analyses, omitted benefit classifications, and relied on vague or unsupported assertions, ultimately hindering their ability to demonstrate MHPAEA compliance."  MORE >>

"While many will no longer be eligible for PTCs beginning in 2026, applicable large employers should not get too comfortable because the Bill did not repeal the employer shared responsibility penalties -- and they are about to get more expensive. ... Smaller employers should annually revisit the ALE determination ... Keep related employers in mind ... Review the look-back measurement method policy ... Ensure workers are classified correctly."  MORE >>

"Set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, Illinois House Bill 5258 will ... mandate that fully insured health plans in the state of Illinois include insurance coverage for ... both parents and stepparents of an insured individual ... if the parent or stepparent lives within the service area of the accident and health insurance policy and meets the definition of a 'qualifying relative' under 26 U.S. Code Section 152(d)."  MORE >>

"The state added menopause to the list of conditions, such as pregnancy and childbirth, that employers must reasonably accommodate. The law took effect on June 24, 2025.... Employers must provide written notice, including a notice conspicuously posted at the workplace in an area accessible to employees, about the right to be free from discrimination in relation to menopause."  MORE >>

"Rhode Island employers are required to engage in a timely, good-faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations for employees who are experiencing menopause symptoms or related medical conditions....  [T]he amendment did not add any new possible accommodations or otherwise identify accommodations specific to menopause. "  MORE >>

"Four in 10 private health plan enrollees were unsure as to whether their health plan provides coverage for mental health care services as it does for other health care.... Most people thought that mental health care services should be covered the same way as other health care services. "  MORE >>

"Rising retiree healthcare liabilities strain public sector budgets, but shifting to the individual marketplace with defined contributions offers cost relief and better retiree healthcare."  MORE >>