A recent court decision in Williams v. Bally’s Management Group, LLC upheld the use of a tobacco cessation program in an employer’s wellness program despite arguments form an employee that the program unfairly penalized individuals who could not meet the tobacco cessation requirement. This is an important case that analyzes three issues: How ERISA’s nondiscrimination rules apply to employer wellness programs. What a “reasonable accommodation” means in this space, including ho

Healthcare costs in the United States remain a major concern for patients and policymakers alike. Many Americans face unexpected bills after hospital visits, often without clear information about prices beforehand. Since January 2025, several bills have recently been introduced in Congress aiming to improve transparency in hospital pricing and billing. This article summarizes five key pieces of legislation designed to make healthcare costs clearer and more predictable for pat

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) often bring big changes to companies, but one area that frequently causes problems is employee benefits. When two organizations combine, aligning benefit plans can be complicated. Mistakes in this process can lead to employee dissatisfaction, legal risks, and increased costs. Understanding the most common pitfalls helps companies protect their workforce and maintain smooth transitions. Mistake 1: Overlooking Benefit Plan Differences Early One of