Employer-Paid

A new House bill would free employer coverage from the standard Affordable Care Act health plan template.

The goal is a benefits program where employees find the right benefit before they need to go looking for it, rather than after the moment has passed.

Drugmakers cannot replace upfront discounts with their own rebate models without federal approval, although the ruling leaves HHS free to authorize a future system.

The 7.5% increase since last year reflects rising prices for care, continued utilization growth and growing costs tied to chronic conditions, according to the latest Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate from Fidelity Investments.

The industry group says its reform effort remains on track despite questions about participation, oversight and continuity-of-care protections.

Here are three questions to determine whether considering an unconventional design makes sense.