The Daily Brief for Benefits Professionals
BenefitsWire
Health & Welfare Plans
August 3, 2026
— § —
6 items · ~2 min read
Top of the Brief
DOL Proposal Would Let Health Plans Deliver Documents Electronically by Default“Employers would have a clearer path to delivering summary plan descriptions (SPDs) and other required health plan documents electronically to participants who have provided—or been assigned—an electronic address.”
In this issue
Regulatory Action and Guidance (2) · Health & Welfare Plans (2) · General Benefits (1) · Litigation (1)
Regulatory Action and Guidance
2 items“Employers would have a clearer path to delivering summary plan descriptions (SPDs) and other required health plan documents electronically to participants who have provided—or been assigned—an electronic address.” MORE >>
Source: Ogletree Deakins
HHS announced a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program, allowing qualifying drug manufacturers to provide rebates instead of upfront discounts for certain drugs sold to covered entities. This changes how covered entities access 340B pricing and impacts drug procurement strategies. MORE >>
Source: Federal Register
Health & Welfare Plans
2 items“In recent years, HR and L&D research has increasingly emphasized skills as a way to understand work, talent and workforce readiness. But interest has moved faster than implementation.” MORE >>
Source: Employee Benefit News
“The COVID-19 pandemic heightened vaccine skepticism. Six years later, CVS’ chief medical officer talks about building trust with patients — and the surprising benefits of many vaccines.” MORE >>
Source: Healthcare Dive
General Benefits
1 item“Amid a housing affordability crisis, organizations refining their benefits to attract and retain a younger workforce are increasingly looking into homeownership benefits as a "wow factor" offering with proven retention capabilities.” MORE >>
Source: American Retirement Association
Litigation
1 itemThough the plan document appeared to require arbitration in pursuing recovery in a fiduciary breach suit, a federal appellate court has affirmed the decision of the district court in rebuffing that requirement. MORE >>
Source: American Retirement Association
Also of Note
- Out-of-Network claims are costing you more than you think — “Providers win 88% of Independent Dispute Resolution cases under the No Surprises Act.” (Healthcare Dive)
- Disability Self-Identification Form Approved for Use by Federal Contractors Through July 2029 — “ASAP By David J.” (Littler)
- Third Circuit Restores Student’s Title IX Sex Bias Claim Over Discipline — “The Third Circuit reversed the district court.” (Ogletree Deakins)
- State Department Finalizes Visa Bond Program for B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa Applicants — “Quick Hits Under the program, which takes effect immediately, consular officers may require applicants who are nationals of designated countries to post a cash bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance to help ensure they maintain nonimmigrant status and depart the United States as required.” (Ogletree Deakins)
- Gibson Dunn Adds Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice in London with Partner Richard Surtees — “Firm News | August 3, 2026 Gibson Dunn announced today that Richard Surtees has joined the firm’s London office as a partner in its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group.” (Gibson Dunn)