Starting October 11, 2025, organizations that fail to meet reporting obligations under Section 111 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (MMSEA 111) may face civil monetary penalties (CMPs). While this change does not alter the long-standing reporting requirements or the existing risk of liability under the federal False Claims Act for causing Medicare overpayments due to MMSEA 111 reporting errors, the introduction of CMPs significantly increases the compliance risk for insurers, self-insured entities, and third-party administrators subject to MMSEA 111.
IRS provides updated mortality tables for defined benefit pension plans
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2025-40, providing updated static mortality tables for defined benefit pension plans under Code Section 430(h)(3)(A) and Section 303(h)(3)(A) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. These updated static mortality tables apply for purposes of calculating the funding target and other items for valuation dates occurring during the 2026 calendar year.
Trump EO seeks to expand access to alternative investments in retirement plans
On August 7, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors.” The order seeks to expand access to alternative investments in retirement plans, aiming to diversify investment options for plan participants.
What Venus Williams’ health insurance comments reveal about COBRA
When tennis superstar Venus Williams recently spoke about returning to the sport to maintain her health insurance, it highlighted a broader issue many employees face: navigating complex benefits after leaving their jobs. This challenge is particularly acute when it comes to Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) coverage, which allows former employees to temporarily keep their employer-sponsored health insurance. As Sarah Raaii points out, the high cost of COBRA and limited alternatives create significant financial strain. To address this, employers could provide clearer information about COBRA, its costs, and available alternatives, enabling employees to make more informed decisions about their health coverage during career transitions.
Read more about how employers can help employees navigate COBRA.
Mississippi enacts new law regulating telemedicine coverage
Mississippi has enacted SB 2415, ensuring that health insurance and employee benefit plans cover telemedicine services to the same extent as in-person medical consultations. The legislation specifies that all telemedicine must be real-time audio-visual unless using store-and-forward technology or remote patient monitoring.
Read more about state legislative and regulatory developments impacting virtual care here.
