Employer-Paid

An Aon health benefits specialist predicts that employers will have to work harder to monitor their pharmacy benefit managers.

Late last week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) filed an amicus brief urging the Third Circuit to uphold a lower court's dismissal in Barragan v. Honeywell Int'l Inc.

The average allowed amount for a patient with no chronic conditions was $1,590, while the average allowed amount for a patient with one chronic condition was nearly double, at $3,039.

The former employees argue that the company was involved in self-dealing and prohibited transactions under ERISA because it designed its own funds, picked the managers, decided how assets were allocated and then collected related fees.

"Employers have an opportunity to strengthen engagement by pairing competitive benefits with greater flexibility and support that helps people feel more secure," said Jake Spiegel, senior research associate at EBRI.

About 46% of respondents said they somewhat or greatly preferred the idea of being able to choose from a long list of coverage providers and plan types.