"This update provides issuers and states with important information, instructions, and immediate action you may need to take for Plan Year 2026, including changes that may be required to QHP data, rates, and form filings, as well as recommendations for when states should approve such changes to preserve the ability to revert to the current filings depending on the outcome of motions now under consideration by the Maryland District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit." [City of Columbus v. Kennedy, No. 25-2114 (D Md. Aug. 22, 2025)]  MORE >>

"The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has significantly enhanced Medicare Part D benefits, lowering out-of-pocket costs and raising the standard for creditable coverage. These changes may make it more difficult for some employer-sponsored prescription drug plans, particularly high-deductible health plans, to meet creditable coverage standards."  MORE >>

"[This] Q&A explains how employer-sponsored health insurance affects a family's eligibility for a premium tax credit, and when employees and their family members can forgo an offer of employer coverage and purchase coverage in the health insurance marketplace with the help of a premium tax credit."  MORE >>

"Federal courts normally have jurisdiction over ERISA claims ... However, the [Railway Labor Act] provides that disputes growing out of grievances or the 'interpretation or application' of CBAs ... must be resolved through arbitration before an SBA, not in court.... [T]he court found the LTD plan was 'inextricably intertwined' with the JCBA. While ERISA creates a right to bring claims for benefits, Eldredge's alleged right to LTD benefits existed only because the JCBA required the airline to provide the plan. Thus, the JCBA was the true source of the claim." [Eldredge v. Am. Airlines Inc., No. 25-0823 (D. Ariz. Sept. 4, 2025)]  MORE >>

"Because the injunctions granted in Tennessee v. Becerra and Texas v. Becerra are nationwide, the enforcement of the 2024 Rule is enjoined even in states where the 2024 Rule was not challenged.... It is highly anticipated that the Supreme Court will ultimately be called on to decide whether Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual stereotypes. This will require the Supreme Court to address an issue it declined to in Skrmetti -- whether Bostock's reasoning applies outside of the Title VII context."  MORE >>

"Employers are bracing for one of the most difficult renewal seasons in recent memory, with double-digit cost increases becoming the norm. From soaring pharmacy spend and high-cost claimants to delayed care and industry consolidation, multiple forces are driving rates higher. This blog unpacks what’s behind the surge and offers practical strategies employers can use to take back control and balance financial pressures with employee well-being."  MORE >>

"Citing to five separate legal challenges to the [2024 Rule] and its intention to 'reduce unnecessary burdens on employers and employees,' the Trump DOL aims to retool its independent contractor rule. This announcement ... comes on [the] heels of the Trump DOL announcing on May 1, 2025 that it would no longer enforce the 2024 IC Rule."  MORE >>

"On September 4, 2025, the US Federal Trade Commission filed an enforcement action and simultaneous proposed settlement ... [T]he day after filing the enforcement action, the FTC voluntarily dismissed its appeal of the court rulings prohibiting the FTC from enforcing its Non-Compete Rule, which attempted to ban all employer-employee non-competes. The enforcement action signals continued focus on non-competes even though the ban is no longer on the table."  MORE >>