Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have moved from a niche pharmacy category to one of the top drivers of employer healthcare spend. Monthly costs for GLP-1s often range from $500 to $1,000 per member, and after factoring in the impact on employee health, wellness, productivity and retention, the return on...

States have recognized employees’ need to attend their children’s school conferences, activities and other school events by enacting laws protecting employee leave for these occasions. State leave laws for school activities vary; some consist of stand-alone statutes, while others are contained within larger laws,...

Turning 65 represents a significant milestone in an individual’s financial and healthcare journey. For most Americans, it marks the beginning of Medicare eligibility, a transition that requires careful consideration regardless of whether one plans to retire at age 65 or continue working. Medicare enrollment rules are...

Employers of all sizes continue to face attraction and retention challenges. Successful efforts to win over workers can require significant time and carry high costs, but failing to attract talent or losing existing employees is particularly costly for small businesses. Unfortunately, small businesses often don’t...

Turning 65 is a milestone for benefits decisions. At this age, you become eligible for Medicare, even if you are still working and covered under an employer-sponsored health plan. In 2026, the standard premium is $202.90. Based on Medicare Trustees Report projections, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B...

Every year, PwC’s Health Research Institute, a leading healthcare research organization, surveys actuaries at major U.S. health plans to project where medical costs are headed. Their latest report, Medical Cost Trend: Behind the Numbers 2027, delivers an unwelcome forecast for both plan sponsors and participants:...

The Trump administration recently announced an expansion of its TrumpRx platform, adding more than 600 generic medications and deepening partnerships with several large pharmacy providers. The announcement highlights newly formed partnerships with Amazon Pharmacy, GoodRx and Cost Plus Drugs, founded by Mark Cuban....

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) continues to reshape the Medicare Part D program through calendar years 2026 and 2027. While many provisions are designed to reduce costs for beneficiaries, they may also impact employer-sponsored prescription drug coverage. Key changes to Medicare Part D changes affecting...

Cheat Sheet Life doesn’t always line up neatly with open enrollment. If something significant changes for you or your family during the year, you may be able to update your benefits sooner. These situations, called midyear qualifying events, allow you to adjust certain benefits outside the annual enrollment window if...

TrumpRx is a newly launched federal website intended to help Americans access lower prices on select prescription medications by showcasing discounted cash pay options negotiated directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers. The site is part of a Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing initiative that aims to align U.S. drug...

As the new calendar year begins, employers that sponsor group health plans should take steps to stay ahead of key compliance obligations. Several federal reporting and disclosure requirements, mandated under laws such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Health...