The Daily Brief for Benefits Professionals
BenefitsWire
Health & Welfare Plans
October 30, 2026
— § —
9 items · ~2 min read
Top of the Brief
DOL Announces Final PBM Fee Disclosure Rule“The rule is intended to improve transparency into fees and compensation plan sponsors pay pharmacy benefit managers and their affiliates.”
In this issue
Regulatory Action and Guidance (3) · Health & Welfare Plans (1) · Litigation (2) · General Benefits (3)
Regulatory Action and Guidance
3 items“The rule is intended to improve transparency into fees and compensation plan sponsors pay pharmacy benefit managers and their affiliates.” MORE >>
Source: PLANSPONSOR
“Starting in 2027, the controversial drug middlemen will have to share a broad swath of fee and compensation data with self-funded employer clients.” MORE >>
Source: Healthcare Dive
“The Employee Benefits Security Administration's (EBSA) third priority in enforcement is network adequacy, with particular attention to network admission standards and provider reimbursement methodologies, further emphasizing the Department of Labor's focus on ensuring adequate access to care, including for MH/SUD benefits.” MORE >>
Source: acadiabenefits.com
Health & Welfare Plans
1 item“When employees seek help for addiction, the window in which they’re willing to accept treatment can be short. Benefit leaders can help ensure their health plans are ready to respond, using clinically sound criteria to connect employees with the right level of care when they need it.” MORE >>
Source: Employee Benefit News
Litigation
2 items“Plaintiffs say the health insurance provider misused benefit plan assets and charged excessive and undisclosed fees.” MORE >>
Source: PLANSPONSOR
“UnitedHealth Group was sued by six employers on October 20, who alleged the insurance provider routinely approved and paid false, fraudulent and inflated medical claims with employee health plan assets while collecting undisclosed fees. The plaintiffs include Aramark Services Inc., Kraft Heinz Foods Co., Ralph Lauren Corp., Sterling Jewelers Inc., W.W. Grainger Inc. and Whirlpool Corp., as well as the benefit plans and committees that hired UnitedHealth as a third-party administrator in 2020.” MORE >>
Source: PLANADVISER
General Benefits
3 items“06.16.2026 Orlando, FL Kevin Lowell will speak at the Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Plans Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training on June 16, 2026. Lowell will present, as a part of a panel, "Executive Keynote Panel.” MORE >>
Source: Hall Benefits Law
“Lisa noted that OIG’s self-disclosure protocol remains relevant to conduct under its civil monetary penalty (CMP) authorities, even as potential criminal matters are referred to DOJ. “Most cases aren’t criminal conduct,” she said. “There’s a lot of different conduct that falls squarely within OIG’s CMP authorities. I think people will continue to disclose to OIG.” Lisa also touched on potential violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, noting that the same conduct can be both criminal and prohibited under the Civil Monetary Penalty Law.” MORE >>
Source: Arnold & Porter
“Rising healthcare premiums are forcing workers to reduce retirement contributions, with Gen Z employees especially affected The trickle-down effect of escalating healthcare costs is having a direct impact on employees’ abilities to save for retirement.” MORE >>
Source: Gibson Dunn