BenefitsWire

“On September 24, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a request for information (RFI) seeking input on standards for reasonable and relevant pharmacy contract terms and conditions under Medicare Part D.” MORE >>

Source: Groom Law Group

“California employees will soon be able to take bereavement leave when an extended relative or someone they consider family dies. Governor Newsom signed SB 1149 late yesterday, allowing employees to take bereavement leave upon the death of a “designated person,” which means any person related to the employee by blood or whose association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship. Here are the top three changes and the key steps you should consider taking before it takes effect...” MORE >>

Source: Fisher Phillips

“Participants will learn the core claims procedure requirements of 29 C.F.R. § 2560.503-1 — reasonableness standards, the four claim types, and determination deadlines from 72 hours for urgent care to 90 days for general claims — along with required notice content and full and fair review rights on appeal, including the 180-day filing window and de novo review for group health plans. Attendees will also come away with a working understanding of the § 514 preemption framework and dual-compliance obligations for fully insured plans, plus current litigation trends: deemed exhaustion and the shift to de novo judicial review, mental health parity enforcement, No Surprises Act integration, and grow” MORE >>

Source: Troutman Pepper Locke

“Plaintiff is the surviving spouse of the decedent, who was employed as a lead mechanic and covered under a group policy issued by Hartford that provided AD&D coverage. The decedent was in his dining room when he suffered a stroke, fell, and struck his head on the floor. He died three days later. The autopsy report listed the cause of death as a skull fracture with intracranial hemorrhage due to blunt impact to the head, identified the cerebrovascular accident as a contributory cause of death, and listed the manner of death as an accident resulting from a fall from standing height following an acute stroke.” MORE >>

Source: Roberts Disability Law