"The OBBBA touches many aspects of health and welfare benefits by providing regulatory clarity, raising long-standing statutory limits, and launching entirely new programs like Trump Accounts. With these changes come new compliance requirements, expanded plan design opportunities, and strategic considerations for employers seeking to remain competitive in the benefits marketplace."  MORE >>

"This article breaks down each update in plain language, helping HR leaders understand what's changing, what to review, and how to keep their benefits plans compliant. Learn how proactive HR teams use these annual updates to strengthen compliance processes and build employee trust."  MORE >>

"Recently, California's Governor signed Senate Bill 590, which expands eligibility for benefits under the state paid family leave program to include individuals who take time off to care for a seriously ill designated person ... defined as any individual related by blood or whose association with the employee is equivalent to a family relationship."  MORE >>

"As utilization of high-cost specialty drugs and GLP-1s continues to soar, it's more critical than ever for employers to partner with the right [PBM] to implement strategies that keep health plan costs in check while maintaining appropriate access for members ... That approach includes formulary optimization ... as well as human-led prior authorization reviews that ensure appropriate utilization while preventing misuse and waste."  MORE >>

"Recent litigation surrounding exclusions for gender-affirming care highlight the complexity of coverage decisions in employer group health plans. While states may have broader authority to restrict access under state constitutional law, federal nondiscrimination statutes can impose obligations that directly affect plan design and administration."  MORE >>

"After more than a decade, there is little evidence that the MLR requirement has promoted premium affordability or constrained insurer profits as intended; instead, the MLR drives higher premiums and higher medical care spending and presents other unintended consequences that warrant attention.... [The authors] discuss how the MLR statute has led to these negative outcomes and propose policy solutions."  MORE >>