Gag Clause Attestation Requirements: Is Your Group Health Plan Still Compliant?

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

Most HR teams didn't hear about gag clause attestation until the filing deadline was already close. That's a problem, because the requirement has been in place since the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA 2021) took effect, annual attestations are now a standing compliance obligation, and the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of the Treasury are all watching.

If your group health plan contains

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Machine Learning Models for Forecasting Health Plan Costs

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

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Year-Round Benefits Education Strategies: Driving Engagement Beyond Open Enrollment

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

For many organizations, benefits communication has traditionally revolved around a single event: open enrollment. While this period is critical, limiting education to

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Expanding Employee Assistance Programs in 2026

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have long been a foundational component of employer-sponsored benefits, traditionally focused on short-term counseling and crisis support. But

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Chronic Disease Management Programs for Employers: Addressing Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Risk

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

Chronic diseases are among the most significant drivers of healthcare costs for employer-sponsored health plans. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease not only impact employee well-being but also contribute to rising medical claims, lost productivity, and increased absenteeism. Forward-thinking employers are responding by implementing comprehensive chronic disease management programs—targeted, data-driven initiatives designed to improve health outcomes while controlling long-term costs. This blog explores how these programs work, why they matter, and how Read Full Article Here

Employers Guide to Managing Specialty Drug Utilization Effectively

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

Specialty drugs are transforming modern healthcare. From treating rare diseases to managing chronic conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, these medications offer life-changing benefits. However, they also represent one of the fastest-growing cost drivers in employer-sponsored health plans.

For organizations striving to balance cost control with quality care, managing specialty drug utilization effectively is no longer optional—it’s essential.

This guide explores practical, strategic

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Cancer Screening and Prevention Benefits Employers Are Expanding

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

Cancer remains one of the leading drivers of healthcare costs and long-term disability claims for employer-sponsored health plans. At the same time, advancements in early detection and preventive care are creating new opportunities for employers to make a meaningful impact, both financially and in the lives of their employees. As a result, more organizations are expanding cancer screening and prevention benefits, shifting from reactive care to proactive health management. These enhanced strategies not only improve outcomes but also help control

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Hybrid Funding Models for Employer Health Plans

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

As employer healthcare costs keep rising, more organizations are looking beyond the traditional fully insured versus self-funded choice. Hybrid funding models sit in the middle. They are designed to give employers more control than a fully insured plan, while limiting some of the volatility that can come with taking on claims risk directly. That is why interest has grown around level funding, captive arrangements, and other blended risk models. KFF reports that 67% of covered workers are

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Balancing Affordability and Cost-Sharing in Health Plans

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

Health plan costs continue to put pressure on employers and employees alike. As premiums rise, employers are often forced to make difficult decisions about how much of the cost the company will absorb and how much will be passed on to employees through deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and payroll contributions.

That is where the challenge of balancing affordability and cost-sharing comes into focus. Employers want to control spending and maintain sustainable benefits programs, but they also need

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Public Sector Health Plan Inflation Lessons for Employers

By Todd Taylor  |  Last updated: May 10, 2026

Public-sector health plans are offering a useful preview of the cost pressures many employers are now facing. Across state and local government plans, recent rate actions show the same themes appearing again and again: medical trend is rising, pharmacy costs are a major driver, reserves matter, and delaying adjustments can make later corrections much more painful. Those lessons are highly relevant for private employers trying to manage their own health plan budgets.

The private market is

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