"Many covered entities have not made significant changes to these Notices since the HITECH Act rules of 2013, but new revisions must be implemented by February 16, 2026.... Prior amendments to [HIPAA] regulations relating to reproductive health information were vacated in June 2025; however, the court decision vacating those rules left intact requirements for handling substance use disorder information protected under 42 C.F.R. Part 2."  MORE >>

"The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has updated its guidelines to include self-collection testing for cervical cancer screening for women aged 30-65 with average risk.... Most payers must start covering the cost of at-home testing for cervical cancer with no cost sharing, like co-pays, starting in January 2027. Under the [ACA], preventive care and screenings in the guidelines are required to be covered by insurance."  MORE >>

"The Rhode Island Temporary Caregiver Insurance Program, which is part of the Rhode Island State Temporary Disability Insurance Program provides wage replacement benefits for employees who take time off of work to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, or to bond with a new child. Added to this list in 2026 are siblings, which are defined in the law to mean children with a common parent, including biological siblings, half-siblings, step-siblings, foster siblings and adopted siblings."  MORE >>

"The complaints allege breaches of fiduciary duty related to the premiums charged for accident, critical illness, cancer and hospital indemnity insurance -- voluntary benefits not subsidized by employers.... The lawsuits also named benefits consulting firms hired by the defendants ... claiming that they engaged in self-dealing that harmed plan enrollees." [Brewer v. CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., No. 25-15578 (N.D. Ill. complaint filed Dec. 23, 2025); Braham v. Laboratory Corp. of Am. Holdings, No. 25-15583 (N.D. Ill. complaint filed Dec. 23, 2025); Fellows v. Universal Serv. of Am, LP, No. 25-10659 (S.D.N.Y. complaint filed Dec. 23, 2025); Pimm v. United Airlines, Inc., No. 25-15581 (N.D. Ill. complaint filed Dec. 23, 2025)]  MORE >>

"[F]our employers [have been ] sued ... for allegedly breaching ERISA fiduciary duties regarding their voluntary benefits insurance offerings.... The complaints ... allege that the named employers do not rely on the exemption and instead operate their voluntary benefit programs as subject to ERISA. Whether this allegation is true or not, it serves as a reminder to employers who do wish to avoid ERISA that the exemption for voluntary benefits is not automatic." [Brewer v. CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., No. 25-15578 (N.D. Ill. complaint filed Dec. 23, 2025); Braham v. Laboratory Corp. of Am. Holdings, No. 25-15583 (N.D. Ill. complaint filed Dec. 23, 2025); Fellows v. Universal Serv. of Am, LP, No. 25-10659 (S.D.N.Y. complaint filed Dec. 23, 2025); Pimm v. United Airlines, Inc., No. 25-15581 (N.D. Ill. complaint filed Dec. 23, 2025)]   MORE >>

"The lawsuit accuses the drug manufacturers and PBMs of conspiring to raise insulin pricing 'far beyond inflation,' despite the diabetes medication's low production costs. Jefferson is seeking injunctive relief and damages as an employer of over 58,000 and a health system that provides diabetes medication to patients." [Thomas Jefferson Univ. v. Eli Lilly and Co., et al., No. 23-3080 (D.N.J. complaint filed Dec. 30, 2025)]  MORE >>

"During the second half of 2025 ... district courts have continued to deny motions to dismiss tobacco surcharge lawsuits, siding with the plaintiffs in all but one of the cases we have monitored. While the specific results of these subsequent decisions are somewhat mixed, the trend of allowing these cases to move forward has continued.... [F]ive of the six decisions allowed the suits to survive, either partially or fully, the motion to dismiss."  MORE >>

"[1] 47% of U.S. adults are worried they won't be able to afford health care ... [2] 9% median health care cost increase ... [3] 60% of employers plan to explore an alternative health plan by 2028 ... Taken together, these three statistics paint a clear picture: the traditional approach to employer-sponsored health care is under unprecedented strain."  MORE >>

"This report provides details about how health insurance spending is measured in CBO's Distribution of Household Income report series. Those reports present the distributions of household income, means-tested transfers (cash payments or in-kind services provided primarily on the basis of income), and federal taxes. Those income measures are intended to show the impact of fiscal policy on resources available to households. This report shows how choices about health insurance measurement affect those measures of income."  MORE >>

"This past year featured significant developments in prescription drug policy, most notably the continued implementation of Biden-era drug pricing reforms and changes made by the new Trump Administration.... Looking Ahead: 2026 ... IRA implementation ... Model release and operation ... Food And Drug Administration policy releases ... Vaccine policy changes ... Broader insurance market dynamics."  MORE >>

"[1] Employers will be held accountable for healthcare costs, driven by transparency, fiduciary pressure, and legislative efforts ... [2] Patients will demand transparency and value, expecting personalized, data-rich experiences with clear prices and quality indicators, influencing healthcare choices. [3] The next phase of the Mental Health Parity Act aims to improve access to mental health services by addressing disparities and including out-of-network services. [4] Doulas will be recognized as essential maternity care providers, leading to organized teams, improved birth outcomes, and increased legitimacy in the healthcare system."  MORE >>

"Voya's research identified the five employee benefits that are driving acquisition and retention in 2026. These categories exclude health insurance, which is tied with retirement savings plans in importance, and PTO, which was not ranked.... [1] Comprehensive retirement planning; [2] Mental health and holistic well-being support; [3] Career development or education support; [4] Financial education and wellness programs; [5] Tailored support for key demographic groups."  MORE >>