"Employers near the FMLA's 50-employee threshold should reassess whether the new analysis expands the jointly employed workforce and triggers leave, notice and benefits obligations."  MORE >>

"Two themes emerge from the 2026 update: statutory changes tied to the OBBBA, most notably the permanent treatment of student loan repayment assistance and future inflation indexing of the exclusion limit, and related IRS clarifications that frame those benefits in a more forward-looking and flexible way."  MORE >>

"This decision ... may offer some reassurance to plan sponsors that have similar plan exclusions, as it holds that a broad exclusion for weight-loss drugs does not, by itself, state a claim for disability discrimination under ACA Section 1557. However, the legal landscape is still evolving, and other courts could reach different conclusions." [Holland v. Elevance Health, Inc., No. 25-1359 (1st Cir. Mar. 27, 2026)]  MORE >>

"Self-funded ERISA plans in Tennessee are not required to admit any-willing-provider to their networks or to refrain from financial incentives that direct participants to preferred pharmacies. Plan sponsors retain the flexibility to design pharmacy benefit programs, including tiered networks, cost-sharing differentials, and preferred pharmacy arrangements, without interference from the invalidated Tennessee provisions." [McKee Foods Corporation v. BFP Inc., No. 25-5416 (6th Cir. Apr. 7, 2026)]  MORE >>

"This ruling clarifies that even where a plaintiff adequately alleges a potential PFML violation, such claims cannot be brought against individual supervisors and board members ... [E]xecutives and managers should remain cautious and cognizant of their legal obligations under the PFML and other employment laws.... [E]mployers should ensure that communication with employees on leave is handled only by specifically designated personnel ... and that any necessary outreach is kept to a minimum." [Laughlin v. BinStar, Inc. (Delaware), No. 2584CV01816 (Mass. Super. Ct. Feb. 26, 2026)]  MORE >>

"The Cigna Group executives said the health insurer will exit the [ACA] individual exchange business beginning in 2027 as part of a broader effort to reshape its portfolio and focus on higher-growth segments.... [CEO Brian Evanko] cited three healthcare goals going forward, including using artificial intelligence to drive more personalized and affordable care, part of a 'relentless drive' to find affordable treatments."  MORE >>

"Employee wellness programs deliver measurable ROI, but only when they're designed to address all three pillars of wellbeing: physical, mental, and financial. This guide breaks down the most common design failures that keep programs from delivering, what leadership participation actually looks like in practice, and a three-step framework for building a wellness strategy that drives real business results."  MORE >>

"Most episodes of care are not analogous to ordering something in a restaurant or buying an airline ticket. Patients usually don’t know in advance which tests or procedures they wind up needing, especially in emergencies or for complex diseases and conditions. As such, it’s unclear how much transparency would assist patients in a material way."  MORE >>