Phia Group

Autism Benefits: DOL Enforcement for Sufficient Coverage

On May 22, 2023
About 1 in 36 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder, which is a lifelong condition that can affect a person’s behavior, communication, interactions, and ability to learn. The Department of Labor (DOL) continues strongly advocating for more comprehensive autism coverage under group health plans and Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has been working to ensure individuals who need treatment are able to access it. The Phia Group is also working hard to ensure plans are offering robust benefits while remaining compliant with mental health parity laws.

New Year, New Rules – But Don’t Forget About the Old Ones

On January 3, 2023
The self-funded health plan industry continues to evolve every year based on new rules, guidance, and medical advancements; however, the Department of Labor (DOL) doesn’t overlook old rules either. In case you missed it, there was a case in mid-2022 that seeks to remind us that the DOL is still considering all Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules when they review complaints and perform audits. In Walsh v. Board of Trustees of Local 272 Welfare Fund and Local 272 Welfare Fund, 22-cv-592 (S.D.N.Y August 2, 2022), the DOL filed suit against a Taft-Hartley welfare plan and its trustees for alleged violations of certain amendments that the ACA made to ERISA, including the maintenance of grandfathered status.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Who Benefits and Who Doesn’t

On November 4, 2022
It’s hard to fathom today, but less than a century ago, America was a country in which elementary-school-aged children were accustomed to laboring in coalmines, glass factories, and shipyards; an untold number of employees earned less than $1 per day; a typical workweek consisted of six 12-hour shifts. Such was life for tens of millions of Americans barely scraping by during the depths of the Great Depression before FDR implemented his landmark New Deal, which, among other initiatives, provided workers greater protection with the passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Empowering Plans: P132 - The Enhanced DOL Enforcement Effort

On April 1, 2022
This podcast discusses how the CAA enhanced DOL enforcement mechanisms. Learn about the DOL's evolving approach to MHPAEA and the impact on plan sponsors.

Empowering Plans: P128 – The Comparative Analysis: A Year in the Life

On February 3, 2022
In this podcast, we analyzed an entire year's worth of NQTLs. Listen to learn about our practical considerations for health plans and key takeaways.

The DOL wants to Reduce Stigma and Raise Awareness: Why Your Plan Needs to Be Concerned about Mental Health Parity

On January 25, 2022
The DOL wants to reduce stigma and raise awareness. Read to learn about the MHPAEA and why your plan needs to be concerned about mental health parity.

A Joint Final Rule: Extending COBRA, HIPAA , and Claims / Appeal Deadlines

On May 20, 2020
The DOL and IRS issued a Final Rule to extend a number of deadlines and timeframes that are relevant to group health plans such as HIPAA and COBRA. Learn more.

The Final AHP Rules Take a Hard Hit (Part 2)

On April 29, 2019
The courts recently vacated the provisions set by the AHP rules. Learn more about future implications these changes may have for you and your employer.

New DOL Opinion Letter: Employers May Not Delay FMLA Leave Designations

On April 8, 2019
The Department of Labor recently stated that an employer may not delay designating a leave of absence, as a leave under FMLA. Learn what this means for you.

A Contract By Any Other Name

On September 19, 2018
Are you using reference-based pricing? If you answered yes, make sure you're doing it right. Click here to contact Phia Group's Consulting team & learn more!

The Complications Surrounding Intermittent FMLA Leave

On May 7, 2018
There are many complications dealing with Intermittent FMLA Leave. Click here to learn everything you need to ensure to administer this properly.