Benefits Blog

 
news-releases

Inclusion of telehealth flexibility in budget bill will improve access to affordable mental health care

In a June 9 letter, the Council urged congressional leadership to include recently expired telehealth flexibility in the pending budget reconciliation bill.

 
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Council Urges Inclusion of HSA Telehealth Flexibility in Budget Bill

The Council is urging Congress to restore pre-deductible coverage of telehealth services in HSA-eligible health plans as part of the pending budget reconciliation bill. 

 
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EBSA Nominee Pledges Fairer Enforcement, End to 'Litigation Abuse' in Appearance Before Senate HELP Committee

Daniel Aronowitz, nominated to lead EBSA, testified before the Senate HELP Committee on June 5 in advance of a vote on his confirmation to the post.

 
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Government Files Brief with Supreme Court Supporting ERISA Preemption

In a filing with the U.S. Supreme Court, the federal government asked the high court to deny any further review of Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) v. Mulready, as had been recommended by the American Benefits Council. 

 
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Council Urges Treasury, IRS to Provide Guidance on Repurposing Welfare Benefit Fund Assets

The Council is asking Treasury and the IRS to issue guidance clarifying that employers can repurpose surplus welfare benefit fund assets without triggering a 100% excise tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 4976.

 
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Just a Minute! on the Council's Global Benefits Committee and IBIS Academy

In the latest episode, Lynn Dudley describes the value of participation in the Council’s global benefits committee and how the its work is informed by IBIS’ educational sessions.

 
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DOL Rescinds Cryptocurrency Guidance as Recommended by Council

The DOL has rescinded 2022 guidance that discouraged 401(k) plan fiduciaries from offering cryptocurrency and other digital assets as investment options.

 
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National Paid Leave Atlas Updated with New Resources on State Paid Family Leave Laws

The Council’s interactive website tool for obtaining information on state and municipal paid family leave laws has been updated with changes to eight jurisdictions.

 
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Ninth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Fiduciary Suit Over Use of Alternatives in Intel Plan

In a notable class-action lawsuit against a retirement plan, the Ninth Circuit affirmed that fiduciaries may include alternative assets in defined contribution plans when backed by a prudent, well-documented process.

 
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Tri-Agencies Issue RFI on Prescription Drug Machine Readable File, FAQs on In-Network/Out-Of-Network Machine Readable Files

The Trump administration is seeking public input on the rules governing price transparency for prescription drugs, relating specifically to the “machine-readable file” requirement.

 
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IRS Process for Assessing Employer Mandate Penalty May Be Unenforceable Under District Court Decision

A recent U.S. district court decision calls into question the IRS’ authority to assess excise taxes as penalties against employers that violate the ACA's employer mandate.

 
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New Council Analysis Offers Further Support for Lowering PBGC Premiums

The Council continues its defense of the defined benefit pension system with a proposal to suspend PBGC premiums, strengthened by an analysis of a similar move in the U.K.

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We are America's largest, most inclusive employer benefits organization.

The American Benefits Council is a Washington D.C.-based employee benefits public policy organization advocating for employers that are dedicated to the achievement of best-in-class solutions that protect and encourage the health and financial well-being of their workers, retirees and families.

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Just a Minute!

Just a Minute! on the Council's Global Benefits Committee and IBIS Academy

In the latest episode, Lynn Dudley, senior vice president, global retirement and compensation policy, describes the value of the Council’s Global Benefits Committee and how the committee’s work is informed by the annual IBIS Academy conference's educational sessions.

Upcoming Events

JUNE 2025

Policy Board of Directors Meeting
June 11-12, 2025

JULY 2025

Independence Day
July 4, 2025

Retirement Income Task Force (RITF) July Meeting
July 16-17, 2025

Plan Sponsor Regional Roundtable: Boston
July 22, 2025

Plan Sponsor Regional Roundtable: New York City
July 23, 2025

Plan Sponsor Regional Roundtable: Western New York
July 24, 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

Labor Day
September 1, 2025

For more information and registration on all events, click here.

 

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