Additional states are enhancing paid/unpaid leave policies to align with existing state laws or amending specific entitlements to address a broader need across all populations. The following changes were recently approved expanding existing NYC paid sick leave and Vermont leave policies. NYC’s Enhanced Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) Rules for Prenatal Leave: The…

Many states are updating their paid leave policies to encompass a broader perspective on health, wellness, and social responsibility. The following changes were recently approved expanding existing Colorado, Oregon and Washington policies. Colorado’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Amended: Colorado amended its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) law to provide additional leave for parents…

Maryland has amended its parental leave law, to exempt employers covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) from the Maryland Parental Leave Act (MPLA), as clarified by Senate Bill 785.​  Effective Date: ​  Senate Bill 785: ​  Coverage Criteria: ​  Simplified Compliance: ​  Example Scenario: ​  Resources: ​ 

On May 15, 2025 the departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services (the departments) issued a statement indicating they will temporarily suspend enforcement of the final Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) rules issued in September 2024. The statement relates to a lawsuit brought by the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) challenging…

On May 1, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Revenue Procedure 2025-19 announcing new 2026 inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs), high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) and excepted benefit health reimbursement arrangements (EBHRAs). The new HSA contribution limit is effective January 1, 2026. The new HDHP and EBHRA limits apply for plan years beginning…

On April 7, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final Calendar Year 2026 Instructions which introduce a new method for determining whether employer-sponsored prescription drug coverage is considered “creditable” under Medicare Part D.  The instructions had previously been released in proposed draft form in January 2025.    Background:  Employers that offer prescription…

The following are several leave law updates; including legal challenges to the Missouri Earned Sick Leave law, new implementation dates for Maryland Paid Family Leave Insurance (FAMLI) and upcoming deadlines for Delaware Paid Sick Leave funding contributions:  Missouri Earned Paid Sick Leave   Despite ongoing litigation and legislative challenges, the start date and notice period for…

State All-Payer Claims Database Reporting  Several states have laws requiring third-party administrators (TPAs), health insurers and other entities to report healthcare eligibility and claims data to the state’s All-Payer Claims Database (APCD). The information collected by the APCD is generally intended to help improve health care quality, reduce costs, and promote transparency. However, requirements vary…

The Maryland Department of Labor is proposing an extension of the timeline for implementation of the FAMLI program  If approved, please note the changes in program implementation dates for both payroll deductions and benefit eligibility:   Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program overview:   The Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program was established…