BenefitsWire

“We analyzed publicly available Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) dispute data to evaluate emerging trends in dispute volume, prevailing offer outcomes, administrative fees, and the distribution of financial impacts across the parties involved. We present a data-driven view of how the process is functioning in practice. The paper covers the following key points. Download the full paper (PDF). Ask the tough questions. We’re ready for them.” MORE >>

Source: Milliman

“In Stempel v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, No. 24 C 6077, 2026 WL 2241244 (N.D. Ill. Aug. 4, 2026), United States District Judge John F. Kness granted judgment to Unum on an ERISA long-term disability claim, holding that the claimant failed to exhaust his administrative remedies because he could not prove he ever mailed a timely appeal. The decision is a stark reminder that, in an ERISA benefits dispute, the burden of proving a timely appeal rests on the claimant, and that burden is not carried by testimony a court finds not credible. The court did not reach the merits of whether Unum wrongly denied benefits. The case turned entirely on exhaustion.” MORE >>

Source: Roberts Disability Law

“If a tool can recognize voices, that implicates biometric privacy laws. At least two class actions have been filed against vendors for capturing and storing “voiceprints,” so employers are the logical next target. If the tool not only provides a summary of an interview with a candidate, but also scores the candidate’s performance, it could trigger obligations under global AI laws.” MORE >>

Source: Littler