Live Well, Work Well – Allergy-proof Your Spring 
You may notice that you sneeze and cough more during certain times of the year. In this case, you may have seasonal allergies, which are allergy symptoms that occur during specific times of the year, typically when allergens are released into the air. The most common spring allergy trigger is tree pollen, which peaks from March to May.
Benefits Buzz – Class-action Lawsuits Target Health Plan Tobacco Surcharges (April)
Numerous class-action lawsuits have recently been filed against employers alleging that health plan premium surcharges related to tobacco use violate federal compliance requirements. These lawsuits have been filed by current and former employees of major U.S. companies who have paid more in premiums due to their tobacco use, often hundreds of dollars more per employee per year.
HR Brief – Executive Order Directs Federal Agencies to Improve Health Care Price Transparency (April)
Recently, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) directing federal agencies to issue new guidance to improve health care price transparency. This EO aims to promote a more competitive, innovative, affordable and higher-quality health care system.
Health Plan Price Transparency
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) issued a final rule in November 2020 that imposed new transparency requirements on group health plans and health insurance issuers:
https://evolutionofbenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/hr-brief.pdf
EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination
(March)
On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued joint guidance on illegal and discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. The EEOC also issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding DEI-related discrimination. The guidance provides some clarity as to the agencies’ position on what may constitute illegal DEI and offers steps employees may take to report violations.
EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination.docx
IRA Changes to Medicare Part D May Impact Employer Plans (March)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) includes several cost-reduction provisions to Medicare Part D plans that are designed to help beneficiaries but may also impact employer-sponsored health plans.
891339 IRA Changes to Medicare Part D May Impact Employer Plans.docx
Client and Employee Resources
The more your employees understand your benefit plans the more they become educated, empowered consumers. The programs you provide will also gain an enhanced value.
As your strategic partners in employee benefits, we can provide multiple avenues of ongoing support, including:
- Employee Meetings (English and Spanish)
- Webcasts
- Payroll Stuffers
- Poster Campaigns
- Newsletters
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Breathe in, breathe out
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Pasta with Peas for lunch today!
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Helping Employees Manage Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
May 16, 2025
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New Executive Order Aims to Reduce Drug Costs by Aligning with Global Prices
May 16, 2025
- Biosimilar Market Trends May 16, 2025
Carrier Directories
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Click the image below to begin.
