Covid-19 Emergency Declarations Update

Getting Ready for the Conclusion of COVID-19 Emergency Declarations President Biden made an announcement on January 30 that he plans to terminate the COVID-19 National Emergency (“NE”) and Public Health Emergency (“PHE”) on May 11, 2023. These emergency declarations have provided different types of assistance to employees covered by employee welfare benefit plans (health, [...]

By |2023-03-16T09:39:00-04:00March 16th, 2023|2022 News, 2023 News|

Employer Health Plan Requirements under CAA

Employer Health Plan Requirements Under The Consolidated Appropriations Act The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA) was signed into law in December 2020, providing further stimulus and support to organizations and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among its many provisions are the most comprehensive changes to active employee health plans since the Patient Protection [...]

By |2022-03-18T08:47:39-04:00March 17th, 2022|2022 News, News, Uncategorized|

The DOL’s New Cybersecurity Guidance

The Effect of DOL’s New Cybersecurity Guidance on Retirement and Health/Welfare Plans The Department of Labor (or DOL) released new guidance regarding cybersecurity in April 2021. This covered three important factors: hiring service providers, providing online security tips, and new cybersecurity best practices. These were separated into three documents. They included checklists for plan sponsors [...]

By |2021-09-09T13:57:27-04:00September 9th, 2021|2021 News, News, Uncategorized|

Phone Call Recordings may be Requested by Claimants if They’re Deemed Relevant to a Benefits Claim

On June 14, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued an information letter stating that ERISA claims procedures require participants to be given any telephone conversation audio recordings which are deemed relevant to their claim for benefits. This statement followed the denial of a request from a participant to be given an audio recording [...]

By |2021-07-16T14:31:22-04:00July 16th, 2021|2021 News, News, Uncategorized|

Blue Cross Blue Shield Class Action Settlement Raises Fiduciary Duty Questions

In October of 2020, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Association and member plans reached an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit brought by subscribers alleging antitrust violations. While the companies denied the allegations, they agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation costs and risks. The Court's settlement terms will be reviewed on October [...]

By |2021-05-14T06:27:47-04:00May 14th, 2021|2021 News, News, Uncategorized|
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