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Industry Updates

This broad category includes articles concerning health insurance costs, carrier and health plan news, changing benefits technology, and surveys by the Kaiser Family Foundation and others on employee benefits.

HCA Healthcare To Face Antitrust Lawsuit Over Its ‘All Or Nothing’ Contracts With Health Plans

The hospital operations giant has lost a bid to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit in North Carolina federal court, accusing it of scheming to restrict competition and artificially drive up costs for health plans.

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Congressional Leaders Strike Deal To Avert Shutdown This Week

Congressional leaders have struck a deal to avert a government shutdown this week, agreeing to punt a pair of funding deadlines later into March to buy more time for spending talks. Under the deal announced Wednesday, leaders have agreed to extend funding for six full bills covering the departments of Agriculture, Justice, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Transportation ...

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Single-Payer Healthcare Is A ‘Tough, Tough Sell’ As California Faces Massive Budget Shortfall

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas cast doubt on the latest proposal to create a state-run single-payer healthcare system, saying he likes the idea but isn’t convinced the state can afford it in the face of a budget shortfall of at least $38 billion.

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Time’s Up! Are You Ready For ACA Reporting Season?

Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting season is here again, that time when U.S. employers must prepare to comply with ACA reporting and furnishing deadlines for the 2023 tax year. If you haven't completed your filing duties yet, the clock is ticking.

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Health Costs, Medical Bills Are Top Economic Concern Among Voters: Poll

Unexpected health costs and surprise medical bills are among the leading concerns of voters heading into the 2024 election, which contribute to their negative views about the economy, according to a poll released Wednesday by health policy research group KFF.

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Health Package Talks Break Down Amid Broader Spending Feud

The smaller bill will likely focus extender policies as well as possible funding for community health centers and partial offsets to scheduled Medicare cuts for physicians

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Why Transparency Matters: Helping Brokers Understand Drug Pricing

Brokers play a key role in connecting employers with health care coverage options, including facilitating affordable prescription drug benefits for employers, which are a leading health care cost. In California, prescription drugs accounted for 11.2% ($60.36 per member per month) of the health plan premium in 2021, after manufacturer rebates. Health plan spending on prescription drugs in ...

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State Attorneys General Call For Federal PBM Reforms

State attorneys general are urging Congress to pass three bills that would reform pharmacy benefit manager practices and bring more transparency to their work. A bipartisan group of 39 state attorneys general sent a letter to Senate and House leaders Feb. 20, highlighting the urgent need for federal action. While efforts to regulate PBMs are occurring on the state ...

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Common Heart Health Drugs Now Available Under $30 Through GoodRx

GoodRx is offering 30 common heart health medications for less than $30 at more than 70,000 pharmacies across the country. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Among the generics now available are ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, beta blockers like propranolol, calcium channel blockers like amlodipine and statins like pravastatin. Brand-name medications available ...

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Beyond The 401(k): Financial Wellness Offerings Are A ‘Must-Have’ For Employees

With steep inflation affecting retirement goals, employers can play a pivotal role in reducing employees' financial stress by enhancing their offerings beyond the traditional 401(k) with emergency savings accounts, says a new report.

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