There are no administrative burdens for small employers - in these now 16 states (and two cities) - that often can't offer its employees this key benefit option.

"We believe that Apple should encourage, not prohibit, flexible work to build a more diverse and successful company where we can feel comfortable to 'think different' together," says Apple Together.

The final rules address certain provisions of the July and October 2021 interim final rules that are relevant to the operation of the federal IDR process and revise certain provisions.

"Employers are budgeting higher due to uncertainty and the anticipation that inflationary pressures will increase the cost of health care services," says Debbie Ashford North America chief actuary for health solutions at Aon.

"There are issues of reimbursement, equitable access to vaccines and treatment, and distribution that need to be resolved," says Anne McDonald Pritchett, senior vice president of PhRMA.

"In times of grave talent shortages, rehires are on the rise and considered an untapped source of talent for organizations. Data suggests that today's boomerang employees typically return to their previous employers reenergized, armed with new skills and ready to renegotiate their terms."

As more employers have difficulty filling police, fire, corrections, health care and other positions, more than 20% are offering permanent pay increases, and 19% offer targeted hiring bonuses.

The legislation would require the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate directly with drug manufacturers over the price of some high-cost drugs in the Medicare program.