Inside the beltway

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.