current_report_2026-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

STEADYING THE SHIP: FLEXIBLE BENEFITS STRATEGIES FOR NONPROFITS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Nonprofits need creative solutions for steadying the ship during this volatile era for funding their initiatives. _________________4 MAXIMIZING YOUR BENEFITS INVESTMENT: WHY HEALTH INSURANCE LITERACY IS THE MISSING LINK Literacy is still the missing link in effective benefits utilization. Workers still don’t understand key health insurance terms. _____6 POOLING DEMYSTIFIED: HOW POOLING LEVELS HELP MANAGE RISK IN GROUP BENEFITS Understanding how pooling levels can help manage risk, gives employers flexibility during renewal season. _ ________________8 HOW HEALTHCARE SHIFTS WILL AFFECT EMPLOYER COSTS Volatility in the insurance landscape is fueling healthcare shifts that employers should consider carefully. _________________10 HOW VALUE-DRIVEN HEALTH PLANS ARE RESHAPING EMPLOYER-SPONSORED CARE Employers should consider how value-driven health plans can control costs while providing high quality care to staff. ________13 WHY METABOLIC HEALTH SHOULD BE EVERY EMPLOYER’S NEXT BENEFITS PRIORITY Employers who track staff metabolic health can address issues before they become systemic problems. _ _________________16 ANALYSIS PRESIDENT SIGNS SIGNIFICANT PBM REFORM INTO LAW WITH CAA 2026 Employers should review current PBM and PBM Consulting Agreements. _______________________________________________18 IRS RELEASES UPDATED FSA AND OTHER PLAN LIMITS FOR 2026 Employers should ensure that their plans do not allow employees to make pre-tax contributions in excess of the 2026 plan limits. ________________________________________________________________________________________19 NEW YORK PAID FAMILY LEAVE RATE CHANGE SET FOR 2026 Plan sponsors should communicate the upcoming rate change to employees and the deduction amount for premium contributions is accurate. ______________________________________________________________________________ 20 ILLINOIS SET TO REQUIRE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR PARENTS AND NEW LEAVE REQUIREMENTS IN 2026 Plan sponsors should discuss these new laws and regulations with their trusted advisors and plan services providers. _ ________ 21 ADDITIONAL COMPLIANCE RESOURCES Find expert analysis on complex compliance developments !_ ________________________________________________________ 22 COMPLIANCE THE TRUMP EFFECT: NAVIGATING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS IN 2026 Learn how to stay compliant and competitive with the President’s employee benefits regulations. _________________________ 23 BENEFITS BEAUTIFULLY REIMAGINED: NAVIGATING THE OBBBA’S IMPACT ON BENEFITS Discover the key benefits, compliance challenges and strategic opportunities of the OBBBA ._____________________________ 24 FMLA & ABSENCE MANAGEMENT: NAVIGATING LAWS AND RISK Learn the nuances of absence management and how to avoid potential risks. _ ________________________________________ 25 GLP-1s AT A CROSSROADS: STEERING ACCESS, OUTCOMES & COST Find out how GLP-1s are going to change the face of employee benefits .______________________________________________ 26 ADA ESSENTIALS IN THE WORKPLACE: RESPONSIBILITIES, RIGHTS & RISKS Learn how to navigate accommodations, avoid common pitfalls, and more. _ __________________________________________ 27 ESSENTIAL STRATEGIES FOR HR PROFESSIONALS Discover our key recommendations for critical HR challenges. _______________________________________________________ 28 HEALTHDISCOVERY.ORG Share this free wellness resource with your staff. _ _______________________________________________________________ 29 EDUCATION

Mike Lisa Co-Publisher

Andrew Bloom Co-Publisher

Brian Feeley Executive Editor

Abba Belgrave Editor

Solange Senye Graphic Designer Keiren Dunfee Art Director

Dina A. Beck Co-Editor

Solange Senye Graphic Designer

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