In this episode of Empowering Plans, attorneys Nick Bonds and Jon Jablon discuss one of the most mysterious topics of the CAA: the Non-Quantitative Treatment Limitation analysis now required by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Not surprisingly, this analysis is anything but straightforward, and certainly no easy task for health plans – especially with very little helpful regulatory guidance. Jon and Nick are here to talk about what the heck NQTLs actually are, what the analysis entails, and how health plans can best protect themselves from the DOL’s wrath!

In this episode of Empowering Plans Kelly Dempsey and Kevin Brady revisit a subject quite popular at the beginning of the pandemic; testing for COVID-19. Plan members don’t have to pay for COVID-19 tests, but group health plans do. Unfortunately, there are no limits in place on how much the plan has to pay for those tests. Listen to this week’s episode to hear about the current state of pricing for these tests, and how we see things shaping up moving forward!

In this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, Tim Callender is joined by Jordan Feldman, the CEO and Co-Founder of Rightway Healthcare, along with Linda Pestana, the Director of HR at Phia. For the past two years, Phia has been a Rightway client, reporting a 6.8X ROI. Tim and Jordan discuss why Rightway got started and how it's delivering a "doctor in the family" experience for all members. Linda also shares the impact it's had on her — both as the HR / Benefits leader and as a direct user of the service. Tune in to hear how Rightway is making an impact!

As COVID-19 infection rates appear to be trending downwards in most areas in the U.S., employers across the country are hard at work on reopening plans in anticipation of the lifting of most occupancy limitations to slow the spread of the virus. The big question employers are asking themselves is whether to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees returning to the workplace to ensure a safe work environment.

Phil and Brady take a deep dive into this issue discussing compliance considerations implicated when considering mandating vaccination as we as explore limitations, risks, and current trends being established by employers that have already reopened.

In this episode we welcome back to the mic EVP and General Counsel, Ron Peck, as well as SVP of Consulting, Jen McCormick. These industry legends discuss the No Surprises Act, its likely impact on both the payer and provider industries, and provide listeners with guidance on what they need to do now, to ensure compliance when it goes live.

Legal Compliance & Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Phil Qualo, and Vice President of Consulting, Kelly Dempsey Esq., explore the phenomena surrounding COVID-19 long haulers. Although the term “long haulers” trigger thoughts of cross country truck driving, it has actually been used as a common reference to people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus and have not fully recovered for weeks, months, and even up to a year after first experiencing symptoms. This episode provides personal insight into the challenges that these long haulers are facing that impact both employer and benefit considerations, including access to disability benefits and health care.

In this episode of Empowering Plans, Jen McCormick and Andi Goodman discuss the future of vaccinating vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children, and the importance of vaccinating children in achieving herd immunity. What are the next steps for expanding vaccine eligibility? What do employers need to know if they are considering requiring their staff to get vaccinated before returning to work?

Join Timothy Pope, an Attorney in the Provider Relations Department, and Garrick Hunt, Phia’s Sales Manager, as they host a candid discussion about the harmful effects that the sweeping lockdown has had on families, and in particular on children with disabilities. Since the closing of most public schools, many children with disabilities have suffered immensely. As a parent of a child with mental disabilities, Garrick dives into his first-hand account of the lockdown’s impact on his family.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, Nick and Brady talk through some developing trends in ERISA litigation. Do fiduciary duties apply to protection of plan data? Could a data breach lead to claims under ERISA and HIPAA? What steps do ERISA fiduciaries need to take? Listen in as we explore where things stand, and where they might be heading.

In this episode of Empowering Plans, join Brady Bizarro and Jen McCormick as they have a conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on employers, health plans, and employees. How should employers be dealing with mental health, physical health, and productivity issues? What steps can health plans take to reduce claims exposure? How are employers planning to return to the office later this year? It may feel like Groundhog Day, but our advice is certainly not more of the same.