Consumer Driven Health Care

Starting in 2026, a proposed CMS rule would require plans to respond to a standard request within seven days, typically, instead of the current 14, and within 72 hours for urgent requests.

Benefits advisors and brokers need to understand price transparency from the participant and provider perspectives, the compliance mandates new federal regulations aim to achieve, and most importantly, what strategies benefits professionals can take to optimize their role and value.

Eli Lilly's announcement that it is capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month also casts light on pharmacy benefit managers at a time when Congress has shifted its focus on them.

"Models under way and in development at the CMS Innovation Center will help transform health care delivery and payment," the report says

Renewal of the state's contract to procure specialty pharmacy prescriptions, which was set to take effect May 1, was halted after the pharmacy chain announced its refusal to sell mifepristone in 20 states.

Employers can take action by developing workplace-supported prevention, treatment, and recovery programs – and addressing the biggest barrier to SUD care and treatment: stigma.