Following a year-long contentious debate, Congress finally passed the President’s top domestic agenda item: Health Reform.

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Senate version of the Health Reform Bill by a slim margin (three votes more than required) and no Republican support. The Bill contains broad reforms that make numerous significant changes to the ways in which healthcare is accessed, delivered and financed.

Some of the noteworthy changes (and effective dates) for employers to consider are discussed in this blog post.
Continue Reading The Health Reform Bill: What Do Employers Need to Know?

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA” or the “bailout law”), which was enacted on October 3, 2008, contains significant amendments to the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (“MHPA”) that are pertinent to group health plans. For most plans, these changes will be effective January 1, 2010.
Continue Reading Mental Health Parity Provisions of the Bailout Law