The physician group is asking the Labor Department to apply Medicare Advantage plan-type rules, which as limits on repeat reviews for patients with chronic conditions, on ERISA plans.
The DOL has “shared information with class action law firms to give them a leg up in federal litigation,” House Committee Chair Rep. Virginia Foxx wrote to the DOL’s Inspector General.
There’s a push by Congress to pass a bill to allow CITs – tax-exempt, pooled investment vehicles similar to mutual funds – in 403(b) plans, but investor advocacy groups oppose the bill. But now, the American Retirement Association is strongly advocating for its passage.
Supporters say it can help the members free themselves from state requirements that drive up the costs, while opponents argue that the arrangements will weaken the fully insured market, by luring away the healthiest individuals and groups.
The requirement is part of the state's new pharmacy benefit manager market conduct standards, aimed at enhancing transparency and boosting competition.
A cap would hurt sicker and older indidividuals and hit some regions harder than others, according to a benefits professional-employer coalition organized by Neil Trautwein.