"New state laws in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, and Washington require employers to give employees time off after being the target of a violent crime. The safe leave laws apply to victims of violent crimes, such as domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault. Employees typically can use safe leave to obtain medical care, seek psychological counseling, access social services, procure legal services, participate in legal proceedings, or secure safe housing."  MORE >>

"This decision directly departed from the court's 2-1 ruling by a three-member panel in 2024, which held that such an exclusion was, on its face, a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also conflicted with other recent federal court opinions that have construed the exclusion of gender affirming care as unlawful." [Lange v. Houston County, Georgia, No. 22-13626 (11th Cir. Sep. 9, 2025)]  MORE >>

"Strategic investments in disease prevention, early detection, and other proactive measures could save the U.S. health care system up to $2.2 trillion a year by 2040 -- more than $7,000 per person ... These investments could also help save Medicare more than $500 billion a year on medical and prescription drug claims, strengthen the program's long-term financial outlook, and expand the number of years beneficiaries live in good health.... [L]owering Medicare spending in this way could delay potential insolvency and ease the need for benefit reductions or tax increases to maintain the program as it currently exists."  MORE >>

"As healthcare costs continue to rise ... 41% of employers are considering or planning to adopt alternative plan design features, a number expected to grow to 87% by 2027. Broad networks offer flexibility but often come with wide variability in cost and quality, leaving employees to navigate a complex system. Alternative plan designs ... aim to simplify the experience by guiding members to high-value providers through lower out-of-pocket costs and greater price transparency."  MORE >>

"Health plan fiduciaries must recognize the escalating cost environment and act decisively to demonstrate compliance with fiduciary responsibilities. A two-phased strategy can help create cost-effective, employee-focused health plans while addressing unnecessary claims costs that benefit the employer and employees alike. Phase one focuses on immediate 2026 plan design, while phase two requires bold restructuring of provider and PBM contracts for long-term savings."  MORE >>

"57% of employers cover GLPs for weight loss (up 5% points from 2024) 15% of employers are either considering removing coverage (9%) or have done so in the past year (6%). Three-quarters (78%) would cover if costs were lower. These data points reflect growing interest, tempered by cost concerns, as employers weigh the value and sustainability of GLP-1 coverage."  MORE >>

"[This survey] explored workers’ experiences with both physical and mental health care to better understand their behaviors and attitudes toward health care generally and mental health care more specifically. The survey also explored access to care and patterns of health care use."  MORE >>

"This period includes several important dates related to health and welfare plans, and timely action and accurate documentation are vital to maintaining compliance and avoiding potential penalties.... [This] fourth quarter guide is categorized by federal and state deadlines in chronological order, with additional notice requirements due at open enrollment."  MORE >>

"AI tech itself isn't the end goal -- better outcomes are. And AI is only one tool ... High-tech has to meet up with high-touch.... Personalization must be redefined to meet people 'in the moment.' ... Remove friction from the benefits experience."  MORE >>

"Creating programs for benefits education and financial literacy based on employee segments such as gender, life stage and income can help companies attract and retain female workers. Employers should consider leveraging AI to develop targeted resources. Doing so would lighten the burden on HR and save businesses from having to significantly alter their benefits packages."  MORE >>