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From Product Provider to Strategic Partner: The Transformation Imperative for Benefits Carriers (PDF)

"[V]oluntary benefits sales grew 2 percent in 2024, while in-force premiums grew 6.1 percent to an all-time high of $56.6B.... For group and voluntary benefit carriers and providers, there are significant growth opportunities, but sustainable growth comes with its challenges. Overall, carriers and providers need to identify ways to differentiate themselves competitively in the market. In a market with similar benefit options, being price-competitive is not enough."

The U.S. Pharma Premium: Who's Really Paying the Price? (PDF)

"While lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients is a commendable objective, adopting price controls similar to those used in other countries could potentially lead to comparable consequences.... While the MFN executive order captured headlines, the most durable changes to U.S. drug pricing are likely to emerge from broader structural shifts already underway."

The Provider-Sponsored and Provider-Owned Health Plan Market: Opportunities and Challenges

"[T]he Provider-Sponsored or Provider-Owned Health Plan (PSHP) market has emerged as a key player in the broader health insurance ecosystem.... This model enables healthcare systems to integrate care delivery and financing, allowing for better care coordination, improved patient outcomes, and more efficient cost management. This paper will examine the PSHP market by market segment, explore the trends that are unique to these plans, assess their performance relative to traditional health insurers across different lines of business and outline their key priorities for the next five years."

Section 162(m) Proposed Expansion of Covered Employees

"The IRS recently released proposed regulations which ... outline the methodology which would be used to identify the expanded group of covered employees. Additionally, the proposed regulations address the identification of covered employees at affiliated groups.... [T]his article summarizes the new regulations and provides a practical approach for managing the multiple categories of covered employees."

Top Issues Facing Health Plans in 2025: Implications for Provider-Owned, Provider-Sponsored Health Plans

"For Provider-Owned, Provider-Sponsored Health Plans (PSHPs), the ability to integrate care delivery and insurance operations provides unique opportunities to manage costs and improve outcomes. However, these plans also face challenges related to financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and the growing costs associated with social determinants of health."

Top Issues -- and Key Strategies -- for Health Plans in 2025

"[1] Rising utilization and medical expenses in Medicare Advantage ... [2] The ongoing impact of Medicaid redeterminations ... [3] Managing premium deficiencies and financial sustainability ... [4] Regulatory challenges and compliance burdens ... [5] Digital transformation and member engagement ... By focusing on data-driven care models, value-based arrangements and community partnerships, health plans can position themselves to thrive in the complex healthcare environment of 2025 and beyond."

Unlocking the Benefits of the Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit

"The Employer-Provided Childcare Credit is designed to incentivize employers to offer childcare services by providing a tax credit of up to $150,000 per year.... To qualify for this credit, an employer must have incurred expenses related to providing childcare services to their employees during the tax year. These expenses can include costs associated with acquiring, constructing, rehabilitating or expanding a qualified childcare facility, and operating expenses such as training childcare workers and offering scholarship programs."

Payers Have an Opportunity to Expand Value in Home-Based Health

"Home-based healthcare can deliver better outcomes, at lower cost, and with a better patient experience. Technology exists to enable the most sophisticated solutions, yet, post-pandemic adoption of virtual services, including hospital at home and many consults, has waned. The challenges seem to be a mix of reimbursement, policy and cultural expectations."

Trends in Change in Control Benefits

"Average change in control payments remain substantial, averaging ~$23.1M for CEOs and ~$7.5M for CFOs. The most common cash severance multiple in connection with a change in control is between 1.99 and 2.99 times compensation (60% for CEOs and 42% for CFOs). The prevalence of double trigger vesting for equity awards remains high, utilized by 88% of companies. Accelerated vesting of equity awards continues to be the most substantial CIC payment, representing, on average, 63% and 58% of the CIC payments for CEOs and CFOs, respectively."

Unpacking the DOL's Enforcement Actions

"While each investigation may be unique and certain techniques will not work in all situations, there are several steps that can be taken to mitigate the burden.... [Establish] a strong rapport with the DOL investigator.... [T]he DOL has shown willingness to work collaboratively to resolve any issues.... The plan sponsor's ability to document efforts will lead to a more expeditious resolution."