"Researchers estimate that roughly $663 million in inpatient spending and at least $1.67 billion in outpatient spending may be tied to more aggressive, AI-enabled coding practices nationwide. While AI has the potential to reduce administrative burden when used appropriately, the findings underscore the need for greater oversight."  MORE >>

"Building on the momentum from 2025, Q4 brought pivotal developments in GLP-1 therapies, continued PBM scrutiny, biosimilar expansions and persistent issues with pharmacy access. These shifts underscore the need for employers and consultants to prioritize agility, transparency and member-centric strategies."  MORE >>

"The Senate's health committee late last month advanced legislation to fortify health care cybersecurity ... [The Health Care Cybersecurity and Resilience Act (S 3315)] would improve coordination among government agencies and requires the [HHS] to develop an incident response plan. It also would establish new grants to health entities for cyberattack planning and response and make them use multi-factor authentication and encryption -- a key shortcoming exposed by the Change breach."  MORE >>

"Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 live with some form of heart disease. Nearly 75% of women ages 20-39 have at least one cardiovascular risk factor ... Yet many women's symptoms are overlooked or misunderstood, and awareness among younger women has declined sharply. Employers have a unique opportunity to change these trends by offering informed benefits, creating supportive environments, and providing ongoing education that empowers women to manage their heart health."  MORE >>

"With many millennials and Gen Z delaying marriage and children, they're turning their emotional and financial focus toward pets. This investment naturally shapes their expectations for their benefits packages, as they're seeking options that reflect what matters most to them."  MORE >>

"It would be helpful if the IRS would issue specific guidelines with clear criteria that is not specific to Medicare to determine whether a service is a qualifying telehealth or other remote care service that aligns with Congress' intentions to ensure HSA-eligible individuals can access meaningful benefits on a pre-deductible basis.... [S]pecifying guidance would be helpful to [employers] and their employees to aid in determining the scope of 'primary care services.' "  MORE >>