"Many plan administrators currently provide a NPP that is based on the HHS model template that first became available in 2013.... HHS may not release a revised version in time for the compliance deadline. In the absence of a revised model, plan administrators that use the model template may consider going off template or addressing the new requirements in one of the model's customizable text boxes."  MORE >>

"While much of the guidance confirms existing practice, several provisions are particularly relevant for employers sponsoring HDHPs.... Employers considering offering a [Direct Primary Care Service Arrangement (DPCSA)] should carefully review whether the arrangement meets all statutory requirements to avoid unintentionally disqualifying employees from making HSA contributions."  MORE >>

"Beginning on or about 07.17.26, New Jersey employers with at least 15 employees must provide employees with leave under the New Jersey Family Leave Act. Out-of-state employers with at least 15 employees also must provide leave to their New Jersey based employees. ... [S]ignificant open questions remain as to whether this law creates any new leave rights or simply layers additional job protection on existing leave rights when an employee receives short-term disability or family leave insurance benefits."  MORE >>

"Amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act and the Temporary Schedule Change Law will require employers to provide additional unpaid sick/safe time and expand the reasons for which sick/safe time can be used, while dialing back employers' temporary schedule change obligations. Ahead of the February 22, 2026 effective date, employers should update their policies and practices to ensure compliance with the new requirements."  MORE >>

"[Employers] should carefully consider whether the voluntary benefits they offer fit within the DOL's safe harbor ERISA exemption for voluntary programs.... [S]eemingly innocuous actions can render the exemption inapplicable, which means that the voluntary programs are subject to ERISA, including its fiduciary rules. While these rules and the fiduciary duties they impose on health and welfare plan sponsors are not new, they have recently become the focus of plaintiffs' attorneys."  MORE >>

"Within this legislative package, at least two sections stand out as game-changing provisions: [1] Sec. 6223: Assuring pharmacy access and choice for Medicare beneficiaries, and [2] Sec. 6224: Modernizing and ensuring PBM accountability."  MORE >>

"Right now, many HR leaders are hearing the same pitch from their HCM software vendors: 'Why not consolidate? Pay us a little more, and we'll handle your benefits enrollment and administration too.' At first glance, the offer sounds irresistible. One point of accountability. One system for everything. One invoice to manage.... But ... the real costs don't show up until later. And when it comes to something as high-stakes as employee benefits -- where compliance, employee health, and financial security are all on the line -- those hidden costs can be enormous."  MORE >>

"According to the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), last year, generic and biosimilar drugs saved patients in the U.S. health care system approximately $467 billion, and their impact is only growing as more biologic patents expire. Still, realizing their full potential requires more than market availability. Plans require a well-defined strategy, supported by clear metrics, smart formulary design, and strong provider engagement, to convert potential into measurable ROI and improved health outcomes."  MORE >>

Video of Jan. 22 hearing with insurance company executives. Testimony from: [1] Stephen Hemsley, UnitedHealth Group; [2] David Joyner, CVS Health; [3] Gail Boudreaux, Elevance Health; [4] David Cordani, The Cigna Group; [5] Paul Markovich, Ascendiun; and [6] Ellen Allen, West Virginians for Affordable Health Care.

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"As families across the country struggle with health care costs rising far faster than wages or inflation, a growing body of research shows that the expanding role of certain private equity-backed providers within our health care system – from air ambulances, anesthesiology, radiology, oncology, physician and hospital-based services – is driving prices demonstrably higher with no corresponding gain in quality."  MORE >>

"More than 24 cents of every premium dollar spent goes to prescription drugs, one of the most dynamic cost pressures that consumers and employers face as new costly treatments come to market and drugmakers raise prices often multiple times a year.... As policymakers discuss ways to address the affordability crisis affecting millions of Americans, curbing inflationary and often anti-competitive drug pricing practices is an essential, common-sense step toward tackling a root cause of rising health care costs."  MORE >>

This 50 page guide is organized by plan type, regardless of agency: [1] All plans; [2] Health and welfare plans; [3] All retirement plans; [4] DB retirement plans; [5] DC retirement plans.  MORE >>

"As benefits expenses rise, employers will seek cost-effective solutions that boost engagement.... A strong benefits strategy will help strengthen employee vitality during a time of uncertainty.... Benefits strategy and AI-powered benefits administration will help keep benefits resilient in 2026.... As employee engagement declines, addressing employee wellbeing takes on new urgency.... Organizations will need to approach retirement plans and financial wellbeing as two sides of the same coin."  MORE >>