"CMS is adding to the requirement for hospitals to maintain a machine-readable file of their charges for services. In addition, enforcement actions against hospitals would be publicized even before assessment of civil monetary penalties."   MORE >>

"The guidance clarifies that out-of-pocket cost-sharing amounts for No Surprises Act services (out-of-network emergency and air ambulance services and out-of-network services provided by in-network facilities) must count toward in-network deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums."   MORE >>

"Even in a high-inflation, post-pandemic market, the group as a whole saw overall benefit costs similar to the prior year.... Modest stop loss premium increases did not rise to meet historically high claims, resulting in heightened loss ratios for insurers and sweet (but likely temporary) relief for employers.... Despite a 24% increase in rebates, gross Rx spend (i.e., before rebates) for the group soared 30% from one year to the next."   MORE >>

"This article provides a general overview of market challenges and the solution Direct Primary Care offers, including its potential benefits and other considerations for health plans to keep in mind."   MORE >>

"While companies offer a range of benefits -- from health insurance and paid time off to tuition reimbursement and on-site fitness -- decision-makers have primarily focused on productivity and retention instead of well-being. Without better benefits engagement that improves employee well-being, companies are unlikely to see the results they want in productivity and retention."   MORE >>

"ASPE estimates that [the Inflation Reduction Act] will reduce out-of-pocket spending by 14.9% overall, about $70 per Medicare beneficiary per year in 2024 and 29.6% (or $144) per year by 2025."   MORE >>