Where we’re going

Recently proposed legislation, the Medical Debt Cancellation Act, has garnered attention for its promise to alleviate the financial burdens from accumulated medical expenses faced by countless Americans. The Act proposes the cancellation of certain medical debts, providing temporary relief to those overwhelmed by healthcare costs. It is a legislative response to the growing challenge of … Continued

As healthcare costs rise, transparency in hospital pricing has becomes more consequential. The recent updates to the Hospital Price Transparency Rule provide plan sponsors and claims administrators with essential tools to effectively manage healthcare claims. Understanding the Hospital Price Transparency Rule The Hospital Price Transparency Rule, mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services … Continued

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have long been touted as a valuable tool in the arsenal of health coverage. Remember, it isn’t what you pay that counts, it is what you pay, after taxes.  Originating in 2003, HSAs provide a triple tax benefit: contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are … Continued

Employer-sponsored health plans provide substantial tax advantages for employers while helping companies to attract and retain employees. Employer-paid premiums for health insurance are exempt from federal income and payroll taxes. Additionally, the portion of premiums employees pay is typically excluded from taxable income. The exclusion of premiums lowers most workers’ tax bills and thus reduces … Continued

This year’s Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA) Price Transparency Forum served as a vital platform for industry leaders to discuss the importance of transparency and navigating complex issues. During the event, presenters and attendees examined key issues, providing insights and key takeaways, particularly around the Federal IDR Process and the J&J litigation. The Federal Independent … Continued

The New York Times deserves credit for publishing a recent investigative report spotlighting rampant medical overbilling (“Insurers Reap Hidden Fees by Slashing Payments. You May Get the Bill”). But there’s more to the story that needs to be told. Much of the focus was on a private-equity-backed firm called MultiPlan, whose work was depicted as … Continued

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Health Savings Account (HSA), without question America’s most valuable, tax-preferred employee benefit. Not only does an HSA feature a tax deduction right out of the starting gate, it also boasts tax exclusions both on the amount of income earned in the account and distributions used for qualified … Continued

Intensifying federal government oversight on the issue of healthcare price transparency and involvement in the resolution of provider and insurer payment disputes suggests a growing need to arm group health plan sponsors and participants with the information they need to navigate the No Surprises Act Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process. While enforcement of the evolving … Continued

Click here to access our latest article published in Employee Benefit Plan Review, a leading resource for benefit decision-makers, providing industry news, market trends and peer-inspired insights about improving outcomes, enhancing the patient experience and lowering the cost of care. Author Jack Towarnicky, member of aequum, was appointed in 2023 to a three year term … Continued

The No Surprises Act (the “NSA”) has generated (and will continue to generate) a significant amount of litigation. The Plaintiffs, who are primarily medical provider organizations, used the practice of forum shopping to bring their cases in the court that will treat them most favorably. For the rule-making cases, the most favorable is the United … Continued