Inside the beltway

In light of the Republican proposal, we need to keep in mind that consumer-driven health care is a failed theory that will not deliver better health at a lower cost.

Debate over healthcare issues often spills into the workplace, shaping both employer decision-making and employees' sense of confidence in their benefits.

Telehealth integration, a broader playing field for HSA contributions and a shot in the arm for direct primary care lead the way among several positive legislative changes.

Americans want lower healthcare prices, but few trust the government to act. Employers can help fill that vacuum.

Adopting most-favored-nation pricing could save hundreds of billions of dollars along the way to holding PBMs more accountable and eliminating 340B program abuse.

Nothing in the court's ruling reduces or eliminates the fiduciary obligations that health plan sponsors must uphold under ERISA.

From removing physician incentives and network restrictions to offering a unified pricing system and promoting portable plans, the nation can reap lasting rewards.

New provision expected to pay dividends for organizations in health care, law and education whose new hires are likely to incur six-figure student loan debt.

FSA, HRA and HSA plan administrators must beware of companies that are misrepresenting which food and wellness expenses can be reimbursed.

With the goals of improving access and making care more affordable could come compliance hurdles for employers that stem from greater complexity.

The growing popularity of "gig" work has benefits professionals wondering how they can ensure independent workers have opportunities to access retirement savings.

Despite a half century of ERISA achievements, threats linger in the form of potential tax policy changes, increased litigation and regulatory uncertainty.

Amending MHPAEA regulatory standards could lower the quality and safety bar for providers to join insurance networks, as well as undermine patient-focused treatment.

Health plan sponsors must know the direct and indirect compensation paid to benefit brokers, consultants and medical and prescription drug claims administrators.

Laws such as Florida's Prescription Drug Reform Act could unravel many of the invaluable protections ERISA has provided.

Data shows that the $5,000 annual tax limit does not cover the average price of one child in center-based infant care.

In the wake of a hastily drafted law that leaves plan sponsors with questions, the goal is to be "as compliant as possible."

The keys to success lie in improved price postings, meaningful action at the state level and grassroots involvement to influence policy.

State actions on paid leave regularly make it harder for employers to continue providing benefits that exceed the programs they created.

High-value care makes employees happier, saves businesses money and drives more patients to high-value healthcare providers.