Welcome back to The Bar, under (partial) new management! In this month’s episode, we welcome our new co-host, Ed Doherty, who is mixing up a happy hour’s worth of employer group health plan analysis. JD and Ed discuss the basics of two court cases, Lewandowski v Johnson and Johnson and Stern v JP Morgan Chase and Co. that have to do with a group health plans and their fiduciary duty to their members. Ed breaks down why one case was tossed out and the other remains. And in Last Call, JD challenges a rule that many of us have followed for a long time.

It’s nearly Spring at the Bar! The Bar is a smoke-free environment, but JD and Kerri are keeping an eye on a lawsuit involving tobacco surcharges that employer group health plans charge, and the rules they have to follow. Then we have an update on some of the new regulations coming from the Trump administration about open enrollment on the ACA exchanges. And in a Last Call we never wanted to hear, JD bids a fond farewell to Kerri. Best of luck Kerri, come back and visit The Bar any time!

Welcome back to the Bar! It’s cold outside, so we’re keeping warm by staying up to date on the latest from the courts and the White House. Kerri and JD discuss the outcome of Lewandowski v. Johnson and Johnson et al., a case about pharmacy benefit managers and ERISA. They also discuss the newest executive order from the White House, this one on IVF. And in Last Call, well, let’s just say JD had an egg-cellent idea.

Happy New Year from the Bar! Just before the holidays, Congress was poised to pass a government funding bill that had some long ranging effects on employer group health plans. That bill didn’t make it, but the one that passed still had some tangible effects. JD and Kerri discuss the effects of what Congress did, and what they didn’t do. Also, some updates on cases making their way through the courts to keep an eye on in 2025. And in Last Call, a delayed tribute to all those that help us bring this podcast to life. Cheers!

Welcome back to a jam-packed conversation at The Bar! From navigator funding for the ACA to reproductive health care, the election of 2024 will likely have wide ranging effects on employer group health plans. Join us as JD and Kerri break down how high risk pools, Medicaid reform, and even the Comstock Act might be part of the conversation over the next four years. Also, what do the new administration’s Cabinet picks mean for health care? And what about prescription drug prices? In Last Call, JD highlights some of the lesser known questions on the ballot.

It's election season at The Bar! We're hanging our red, white and blue bunting and the Uncle Sam hats have never been taller. Join J.D. and Kerri for this important discussion of how the outcome of the 2024 election might affect employer group health plans. And in Last Call, JD salutes the unsung heroes of democracy who make the election happen.

Welcome back to the Bar, where Kerri and J.D. are having a farewell toast to the administrative law concept of “Chevron deference.” The reversal of this decades-old precedent could have long ranging effects on employer group health plans, so we discuss the implications and what comes next. In Last Call, J.D. pays tribute to the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Summer is in full swing at the Bar, but the courts aren’t quite done for the term yet. This month, Kerri and JD cover two cases that will affect employer group health plans. The first is Food and Drug Administration v Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, where the Supreme Court ruled that mifepristone could remain on the market. Also, we break down a narrow ruling in the appellate court in Braidwood v Becerra, a case about preventative care in the ACA. And in Last Call, JD and Kerri pay tribute to one of the Bar’s favorite Canadians and actors, Donald Sutherland.

It’s summertime at the Bar, and that means one thing: new regulations! HHS has issued some new HIPAA rules around reproductive healthcare. JD and Kerri break down what’s new. Also, there are some new non-discrimination regulations from the ACA around gender identity and sexual orientation. And during last call, JD channels his inner restaurant critic to discuss, what else, the 2024 Olympics.