The Daily Brief for Benefits Professionals
BenefitsWire
Health & Welfare Plans
October 27, 2026
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4 items · ~2 min read
In this issue
Regulatory Action and Guidance (2) · Health & Welfare Plans (2)
Regulatory Action and Guidance
2 items“Starting in plan year 2028, the agency would need to verify household income and family size, citizenship status, residency and eligibility for other health coverage before enrollees can receive financial assistance. It also would require enrollees to verify that information annually to continue receiving financial help. The CMS proposed creating a new verification period, starting Aug. 1 each year before open enrollment begins. The CMS said its goal is to make sure consumers have enough time to share and confirm their eligibility before the next plan year begins.” MORE >>
Source: Healthcare Dive
“Stakeholders also underscored the strong consumer support for e-delivery and the fact that current paper-first requirements no longer reflect how workers access and manage their benefits. A recent ERIC/Ipsos poll of ERISA health plan enrollees found that: Many organizations also encouraged DOL to expand the final rule to all ERISA-covered welfare plans, advocating that a consistent approach across health, life, disability, and other benefits would provide a more seamless, predictable and efficient experience for workers and employers.” MORE >>
Source: ERIC
Health & Welfare Plans
2 items“The new law becomes effective 180 days from October 22, 2026, or on or about April 20, 2027. Employers are to implement the requirements of the law no later than 180 days from the effective date, which is on or about October 17, 2027. Covered employers are those that have fifteen or more employees and that are located or conduct business within the geographical boundaries of Allegheny County, excluding federal and state employers. Eligible employees are those who work for a covered employer within the geographical boundaries of Allegheny County for at least eighty hours in a year, excluding independent contractors, federal and state employees, members of a construction labor union covered by” MORE >>
Source: Ogletree Deakins
“Nearly a year into the implementation of Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law, employers are moving from theory to real-world application, and questions are emerging. This practical, employer-focused seminar will center on frequently asked questions gathered directly from attendees, addressing how PFML is working in practice, where employers are encountering challenges, and how to navigate compliance with confidence.” MORE >>
Source: Littler