NFP's Insights from the Experts

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Sarah Burns revisit recent mental health claims litigation under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Sarah begins with a discussion of the class action lawsuit Wit, et al. v. United Behavioral Health, overturned by the 9th Circuit on March 22, 2022. Next, they address the impact of thi...

Join NFP’s own Head of Innovation, Mark Rieder, as he discusses what innovation looks like at NFP and how to start your own innovation journey with Naviant’s Ema Roloff on their “Digital Transformation Talks” podcast series. Discussion points include: • How to engage a team in innovation • How to support continual education within an organization • Tips on starting the innovation process Take a li...

In this episode, Patrick Myers and Suzanne Spradley review recent litigation and administrative action brought under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Suzanne begins the discussion by providing background on the requirements imposed on plans by MHPAEA, with a particular focus on non-quantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs). Suzanne then discusses the report submitted to...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley outline a few explanations on recently-asked benefits compliance questions. First, Chase describes the challenges relating to the requirement to provide a Medicare Part D creditable disclosure to CMS and individuals. Chase and Suzanne then dig into HSA eligibility where an employee has a spouse or dependent who is enrolled in Medicare, including t...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss the ACA provider nondiscrimination rules — the idea that individuals have the right to access health services from the full range of providers licensed and certified in their state. Suzanne leads off with a background on why Congress felt it necessary to include the provider nondiscrimination rules as part of the ACA. Next, Suzanne and Cha...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley break down the recent Supreme Court decision relating to the vaccine mandates for large employers and healthcare workers. Chase starts by outlining the large employer vaccine mandate, including the OSHA emergency temporary standard, or ETS rule, that was challenged in the courts. Next, Chase and Suzanne discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to halt...

Join Mark Reider, NFP's own Head of Innovation, as he discusses the future of the ever-changing insurance marketplace with Denise Garth, Chief Strategy Officer at Majesco on their "The Future of Insurance: Industry Leaders" podcast. Discussion points include: • How employers can utilize innovative thinking to boost employee retention • What emerging tools and systems employers can offer to benefit...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley break down the recent OSHA guidance (emergency temporary standard, or ETS) relating to the employer COVID-19 vaccine and testing mandate. Chase outlines the general requirement for employers with 100 or more employees to ensure employees are vaccinated or tested regularly. Suzanne and Chase discuss legal challenges to the ETS guidance at the feder...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Patrick Myers discuss the growing trend of HIPAA breaches, particularly those that involve ransomware attacks and employee errors. Suzanne points out how the pandemic and the increased use of telehealth encouraged a growing reliance on electronic transmission and data. Suzanne and Patrick discuss HIPAA privacy law, recent updates to the law, its notification r...

In this episode, Kim Bell, EVP, Head of Health and Benefits and Dale Sagen, VP and Leader of Group Captive Solutions focus on NFP’s newest launch, our Medical Stop Loss Captive, sharing an overview of our captive practice, and the benefits of leveraging this type of program.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Patrick Myers provide an update on vaccine mandates and surcharges, including some helpful governmental guidance on HIPAA wellness program rule application to vaccine surcharges. Chase then digs in on some end-of-year and open enrollment considerations for pandemic-related compliance obligations. Chase and Patrick discuss the mandatory and optional plan design cha...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss the history of, and legal challenges to, OSHA's Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), the format for the Biden administration’s recently announced vaccine mandate and COVID-19 testing alternative for employers. Suzanne begins with an overview of the likely legal challenges to the use of the ETS process, the historical use of OSHA's ETS inst...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley outline the Biden administration’s recently announced vaccine mandate and COVID-19 testing alternative for employers. Chase begins with an overview of the mandate, the testing alternative and which employers are impacted by the requirements. The two spend the rest of the podcast issue spotting for employers — discussing questions that will hopeful...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss the compliance angle of employer-initiated vaccine mandates and incentives. Chase begins by outlining the ADA and EEOC rules relating to vaccine mandates, while Suzanne jumps in for a discussion on reasonable accommodations for those that have legitimate medical or religious objections to taking the vaccine and the confidentiality and admi...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review and discuss three upcoming mid-summer compliance obligations with a July 31 due date: Form 5500 (an oldie), PCOR Fee (a revival) and ARPA COBRA subsidy tax credits (a newbie). Chase outlines the requirements, forms and challenges relating to those obligations as Suzanne relays some frequently asked questions that employers ask as they seek...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Patrick Myers discuss the interim final rules relating to the federal No Surprise Billing Act. Patrick begins with an explanation for the need for these rules. Patrick and Chase then look at how the rules address the problem of balance billings. Patrick closes with a discussion of the interaction between the rules and state laws and looks forward to the next wave...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Patrick Myers discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling in the latest challenge to the ACA. Suzanne begins with a history of legal challenges to the ACA, and then discusses the Supreme Court’s recent opinion. Patrick and Suzanne then look at how the Supreme Court’s decision impacts employers and what we can expect from the current administration in response. Suzanne...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss rising prescription drug costs as a challenge for employers and consumers. Suzanne begins with an overview of the issue at a federal and state level, and then digs into state proposals addressing drug price transparency and affordability review boards. Chase and Suzanne then look at drug importation and other programs aimed at sourcing dru...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss the recently published IRS FAQ guidance on ARPA COBRA premium subsidies. Chase gives an overview of six steps employers need to take to ensure compliance. Chase and Suzanne discuss IRS FAQs addressing what constitutes a reduction in hours or involuntary termination, including employment contract and severance situations. Chase outlines the...

In this special episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss the COBRA subsidies that are a big part of the recently-enacted ARPA. Suzanne starts the discussion with a history of past COBRA subsidies, including in 2002 and 2008/09, comparing them to the ARPA subsidies. Suzanne then answers Chase’s rapid fire questions on the ARPA COBRA subsidies, including the amount and duration, who is eli...

In this podcast, NFP’s John Deem, regional VP Benefits Compliance, and Lucia Fan, VP Corporate Benefits in Mid-Atlantic, wrap up the ins and outs of Medicare and how to enroll.

In this podcast, NFP’s John Deem, regional VP Benefits Compliance, and Lucia Fan, VP Corporate Benefits in Mid-Atlantic, dive into what Medicare is, the different types of Medicare plans, what each plan covers, and how to know what you're eligible for. This is a two-part podcast — look for Understanding Medicare Pt.2 to hear the rest of the deep dive.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley look at recently published DOL guidance establishing new parameters relating to deadline suspensions for COBRA notices, elections and payments, HIPAA special enrollment elections, and appeals/claims filings. Chase outlines the background and examples on the DOL’s new approach to the one-year suspension period, which is now based on the individual’...

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In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at new mental health parity requirements for plan sponsors under the recently-enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA of 2021, the most recent pandemic-related legislation, signed into law in December 2020). Suzanne outlines the new requirements in connection with current law (Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act — MHPAE...