"Plan sponsors can begin preparing for these reforms now by: [1] Reviewing existing PBM agreements to identify provisions that limit data access, restrict audit rights. or delay reporting; [2] Incorporating transparency and disclosure requirements into future PBM contracts, especially those extending into or beyond 2029; [3] Evaluating fiduciary governance practices to ensure processes are in place for reviewing PBM reports and documenting oversight activities; [4] Assessing internal and external resources needed to analyze prescription drug data and identify cost and utilization trends."  MORE >>

"[T]he court concluded that Abira had adequately alleged an assignment sufficient to establish ERISA standing ... [but] dismissed the ERISA claim because Abira failed to identify specific plan terms that were allegedly breached. The court rejected Abira's argument that it lacked access to plan documents, reasoning that Abira could have obtained those documents from the patients who had executed valid assignments." [Abira Medical Laboratories LLC v. Aetna Inc., No. 24-0931 (D. Conn. Mar. 9, 2026)]  MORE >>

"A well-structured health plan compliance audit examines plan documents, participant notices, reporting filings, and operational practices across each of the regulatory frameworks described above. The goal is not simply to identify deficiencies but to prioritize corrective steps and build the documentation necessary to respond to regulatory inquiries confidently. Employers who have not conducted a comprehensive review in the past two to three years should consider doing so -- particularly given recent agency enforcement activity targeting employer-sponsored plans."  MORE >>

"There's a real chance Pennsylvania lawmakers could begin requiring employers to provide paid parental and medical leave, supporters say, though there are still critical disagreements on who should carry the cost. The Democratic-controlled state House passed a paid leave bill in late March, the first time such a policy has cleared a chamber after at least seven years of debate on the issue."  MORE >>

"On February 11th, 2026, the Trump administration issued a proposed rule that would allow insurers to sell multi-year health insurance plans to Americans on the individual market.... Multi-year coverage potentially improves the value of insurance by making it easier for insurers to pool high-and low-risk enrollees. But this will require careful implementation."  MORE >>

"This legal alert provides an overview of Trump accounts, employer contributions, trustee obligations, initial and rollover contributions, investments, and state tax implications.... Although the proposed regulations and the Notice provide valuable information for employers, the [DOL] has not yet confirmed that Trump accounts will be exempt from ERISA, similar to health savings accounts and payroll deduction IRAs."  MORE >>

"The proposed regulations would apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with final rules expected in early 2027.... The IRS has expressly reserved further rules governing contribution administration, investments, distributions, reporting, and employer contribution programs. As a result, Trump accounts are authorized but not fully operational and stakeholders should expect additional regulatory detail before broader program implementation can proceed."  MORE >>