New DOL Rule Creates Certainty and Consistency for Fiduciaries

ERIC is pleased that the Department of Labor took our concerns seriously when considering the final rule on ‘Factors in Selecting Plan Investments.’ We especially appreciate the Department, including our asks to use the terms ‘pecuniary’ and ‘non-pecuniary’ instead of ‘ESG’ and easing some documentation requirements.

ERIC Applauds Louisiana Governor for Expanding Access to Telemedicine

Interstate compacts give large employers, like ERIC member companies, the ability to expand their health benefit offerings in the state. Compacts broaden the pool of providers, reducing provider shortages, allowing patients to have more options for accessing care. They also improve market competition and boost healthcare quality and affordability for patients throughout the state.

ERIC Win: Michigan Governor Approves Surprise Billing Legislation

Governor Whitmer signed HB 4459, which will now ban balance billing for out-of-network services that are delivered at in-network facilities, as well as in emergency rooms, and specifies that providers will be reimbursed based on the average negotiated in-network rate in that region, or 150 percent of Medicare rates.

Michigan Senate Passes Surprise Billing Legislation

On Wednesday, September 30, the Michigan Senate passed surprise billing legislation: HB 4459, by 361 yeas and 32 nays, along with HB 4460 by 362 yeas and 37 nays. Michigan has been trying to address the surprise medical billing crisis for over a year.

ERIC Victory: PBGC Follows ERIC Request to Reconsider Guidance on Premium Relief

Yesterday, the PBGC announced that it is changing previous guidance on delayed contributions to allow greater flexibility for funding contributions delayed under the CARES Act. The restated guidance allows companies to apply payments made through January 1, 2021, to the funding balance for the prior year in calculating the variable rate premium.