In June, the Supreme Court ruled the Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion, leaving states free to regulate them. This means state law may dictate coverage of abortions by insured health plans while ERISA plan sponsors may decide whether self-funded health plans will cover abortions. Limits on coverage will apply—for example, plans generally will not cover medical procedures that are illegal in the state where performed. Other issues remain open—for example, coverage of abortifacient drugs obtained out-of-state and reimbursement for out-of-state travel to obtain an abortion. Upcoming legislative sessions will likely produce additional laws.

Click here for a printer-friendly version. Various regulations and guidance from the HHS, DOL, and the Department of Treasury (the Departments) address implementation of the surprise billing rules and transparency regulations under the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2021 (CAA), which [...]

Congress and agencies issued various relief and rules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act temporarily requires group health plans to cover COVID-19 testing and related services without cost-sharing. The Coronavirus Aid, [...]

In December 2019, the Fifth Circuit Court of AppealsTexas v. United States, 945 F.3d 355 (5th Cir. 2019), as revised (Dec. 20, 2019).  struck down the individual mandate penalty under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for an individual [...]

The 2017 tax reform legislation eliminated the individual mandate penalty under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for when an individual does not maintain health coverage.  Thereafter, several states sued the federal government, alleging that this change made [...]