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PBM Drug Pricing Practices Under Increased Scrutiny from Senate HELP Committee

Bipartisan Support for PBM and Prescription Drug Reform On Thursday, May 11, 2023, the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee approved four new bills and eight bipartisan amendments by a vote of 18-3. One of the bills introduced, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act (S. 1339), establishes new requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) as well as associated civil penalties. The committee aims to increase transparency, improve employer decision-making and reduce prescription drug costs. PBMs are important intermediaries between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, insurers and plan sponsors. PBMs negotiate drug rebates and fees with drug manufacturers, reimburse …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/pbm-drug-pricing-practices-under-increased-scrutiny/

August Is National Wellness Month

Many Americans are getting ready for pool season and fun in the sun. Unsurprisingly, we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of GLP-1 agonists for their effectiveness at weight loss. Obesity rates continue to rise nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 40% of Americans are obese (BMI >30). An additional 31% of the population is overweight (BMI 25-29.9). This is a major public health concern as weight issues can lead to other chronic conditions like diabetes, musculoskeletal concerns, hypertension, and some forms of cancer. Not only is obesity dangerous if left …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/national-wellness-month/

Compliance Matters Newsletter | August 2023

Let our team help you navigate the ever-changing benefits compliance landscape each month. Check out this month’s latest alerts, additional updates, and resources – hot off the press: Employee Benefits Compliance Alerts Washington State Long-Term Care Is Now in Effect Originally established in 2021, the Washington Cares Fund provides long-term care for Washington workers. Payroll deductions of .58% of wages began July 1, 2023. Most employees can no longer apply for a private-plan exemption, although some exceptions are available. Workers who contribute the required length of time may apply for benefits starting in July 2026. Learn …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/compliance-matters-newsletter-august-2023/

EPIC Welcomes Benet Heames

… Ontario/Southwest Employee Benefits Team EPIC is excited to announce that Benet Heames has joined the firm as a Principal for the Ontario/Southwest territory’s Employee Benefits Practice. Heames will work closely with his clients to develop strategies to improve the employee healthcare journey and drive business results through employee retention and recruitment. Heames joins EPIC with more than 15 years of experience serving as a Client Sales Executive, Regional Sales Director and Employee Benefits Specialist. “We are excited to welcome Benet Heames to our rapidly expanding Southern California Benefits Team,” said Matt Clemo, EPIC’s Southern California Employee …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/epic-welcomes-benet-heames/

Long-Term Care Needs Affect All of Us

Viewpoints from Craig Hasday More than half of Americans turning 65 will need some form of long-term care (LTC) assistance as they age, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs associated with aging, such as nursing home care, assisted living and in-home care. The need to prepare for this life stage affects all of us, either directly as care seekers or indirectly as possible caregivers or planners. LTC services can be expensive – without insurance, the costs can quickly deplete retirement savings for the average American …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/long-term-care-affects-all/

Way to Wellness Newsletter | August 2023

Student Financial Health More than 20 million Americans are pursuing higher education as an investment in their future. The downside is too many students are struggling financially as they navigate complicated and uncertain economic circumstances. The government has tools and resources to assist and continues to roll out new programs that could be of assistance. Help your employees understand and measure student financial health. Copy the Employee-Facing Email Understanding Student Financial Health Download the Word file, then copy and paste the graphic and text into a fresh email to deploy to your workforce. Post the Monthly Wellness Tips Understanding …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/way-to-wellness-newsletter-august-2023/

EPIC Grows Northwest Team with Mastroni Addition

Pacific Northwest Expands with Mastroni Addition EPIC is excited to announce that Mike Mastroni has joined the firm as Executive Managing Principal Pacific Northwest. In his new role, Mastroni will continue to expand the company’s presence in the Northwest, including growing our employee benefits and property and casualty practices and identifying acquisitions for the region. Mastroni will report to West Region President KJ Wagner and will work alongside the West leadership team. Mastroni joins EPIC with more than 22 years of experience in commercial and executive risk, and serving in such roles as Producer, Profit Center Leader, Branch Manager …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/epic-welcomes-mike-mastroni/

Compliance Matters Newsletter | July 2023

Let our team help you navigate the ever-changing benefits compliance landscape each month. Check out this month’s latest alerts, additional updates, and resources – hot off the press: Employee Benefits Compliance Alerts COVID-19 Relief for HDHPs Is Ending In March 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided relief for COVID-19 testing and treatment. In March 2023, the Departments released updated guidance extending high deductible health plan (HDHP) relief until further notice. In June 2023, the IRS released Notice 2023-37 ending HDHP relief for COVID-19 testing and treatment on or before December 31, 2024. PCORI Fee …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/compliance-matters-newsletter-july-2023/