SCOTUS Sets High Bar for Rejecting Religious Accommodation Requests
A recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court will make it more difficult for employers to deny employees' requests for religious accommodations in the workplace. The unanimous decision by the court in the case of Groff vs. DeJoy basically upends a standard
New Mental Health Parity Rules Would Expand Care
With mental health in the forefront as patients demand greater access to psychologists and psychiatrists, the Biden administration in July 2023 proposed new regulations aimed at requiring health insurers to expand their mental health coverage. The proposal aims to bring insurers
Budgeting and Prepping for Open Enrollment
If you are running a business, you need to get an early start on preparations for your small group health plan open enrollment, particularly now as so much confusion abounds about the state of health insurance in the country. With recent
Report: Accommodations for Disabled Employees Are Inexpensive
The Americans with Disabilities Act, now more than 30 years old, requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Many employers may be concerned about the cost of making those accommodations. However, a recent government study shows that
Employers Expect Higher Premiums, Little to No Cost-Shifting
Employers who were surveyed for a new report expected that group health insurance premiums would increase 5.4% this year and at a faster clip in 2024 as inflation hits medical costs. Employers said they are looking to manage growing group benefit
More Insurers Pushing Virtual Care for Cost Savings
More and more insurers are expanding the use of telemedicine, just as a new study shows promising cost savings of up to 25% from virtual care when implemented properly. The latest insurer to announce an expansion of its telemedicine offerings is
Insulin Makers Cap Prices for Insured Individuals
Three drugmakers, which account for roughly 90% of the insulin in the U.S. market, in March 2023 announced that they will cap the cost of insulin for people with private insurance plans. That includes those on employer-sponsored group health plans and
New Anti-Obesity Drugs Put Employers in a Quandary
A surge in demand for pricey, new and highly effective anti-obesity medications could put a financial strain on employers who sponsor their employees' health plans. Employers have long offered coverage for certain weight loss tools, such as bariatric surgery if employees
2024 HSA Contribution Limits, HDHP Minimums, Maximums Set
The IRS has raised the maximum amount employees can funnel into their health savings accounts by 7.8% for 2024, the largest increase ever, brought to you by inflation. The IRS updates this amount annually, along with minimum deductibles as well as
16 Surprising FSA and HSA Eligible Expenses Your Employees Should Know About
Employers offer flexible savings accounts and health savings accounts to their employees so they can build up funds with pre-tax dollars to pay for health care and related expenses. For the most part, people use their funds in FSAs and HSAs