ERIC Urges California To Recognize Limits To Regulating ERISA Self-Insured Health Benefit Plans

Washington, D.C., August 9, 2024 – The ERISA Industry Committee (“ERIC”) this week submitted comments to Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) and the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee regarding the applicability and enforceability of SB 966 to self-insured health benefit plans governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).

The ERISA Industry Committee Praises U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Proposed Rule to Reform Patent Process, Improve Competition, and Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable

The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today praised a proposed rule by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to increase competition in the prescription drug markets, boosting the availability of affordable biosimilar drugs by reforming patent policies. The new rule would crack down on “terminal disclaimers,” a strategy used by branded drug manufacturers to stave off competition for much longer than Congress intended.

The ERISA Industry Committee Urges the Texas AG to Recognize the Limits of Texas State Authority

Washington, D.C., June 18, 2024 – The ERISA Industry Committee (“ERIC”) yesterday submitted comments in response to a request for opinion sent to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton by Senator Charles Schwertner regarding the applicability and enforceability of two Texas state laws, HB 1763 and HB 1919, to self-funded health benefit plans governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).

The ERISA Industry Committee Applauds Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ Decision to Affirm ERISA Preemption of California State Law Claims

Washington, D.C., June 12, 2024 – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today applauded the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Bristol SL Holdings, Inc. v. Cigna Health & Life Ins. Co., which affirmed the previous ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, which determined that the state law breach of contract and promissory estoppel claims at issue are preempted by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Employers Urge Congress to Pass Health Care Legislation for a More Competitive and Transparent Market

Washington, D.C., June 10, 2024 – A diverse collection of organizations representing the nation’s employers who are dedicated to bringing more transparency and accountability to health care for employers and their employees, calls on Congress to enact meaningful pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) and health care reform legislation this year. The organizations include The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH), American Benefits Council, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, Silicon Valley Employers Forum, HR Policy Association, Business Group on Health, and the Small Business Majority.

The ERISA Industry Committee Asks Treasury and IRS for Benefits Guidance

Washington, D.C., May 30, 2024 – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today asked the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for additional clarity regarding the regulations governing health care and retirement benefits. The submission responds to the agencies’ call for stakeholders to recommend topics for their 2024-2025 Priority Guidance Plan.