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

A May 2026 proposed rule titled Excepted Fertility Benefits introduces a new category of limited excepted benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This rule aims to establish certain fertility benefits as separate from traditional group health plans, potentially improving the ability of employers to provide group health plan participants with access to, and the ability to better manage fertility-related care. What Are Excepted Benefits under the ACA? The ACA imposes cert