Merrick Garland Escapes Congress Contempt Charge in US

TL/DR - The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has declined to press charges against Attorney General Merrick Garland for contempt of Congress after he refused to hand over audio tapes from an investigation into President Joe Biden. The Republican-controlled House had voted in favor of the DoJ filing criminal charges against Garland for his refusal…

Minnesota’s Health Insurance Reform: IVF, Abortion & Wigs Coverage

TL/DR - The Minnesota Legislature has approved new coverage requirements for health insurance plans, including coverage for abortions, gender-affirming care, prosthetics, and wigs for cancer patients. The coverage requirements will take effect from January 1, and they aim to reduce out-of-pocket costs for care. While a mandate for insurance…

IRA Influence on Group Medicare Part D Plans

TL/DR - Passed in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes significant changes to Part D, which is designed to control prescription costs, cap maximum retiree out-of-pocket costs, and simplify coverage for Medicare enrollees. These changes could pose new risks and opportunities for public sector employers who sponsor Medicare Part D plans…

Sen. Katie Britt Supports Repeal of Natural Gas Tax

TL/DR - U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Ted Cruz, along with 10 other colleagues, have introduced the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act to overturn the methane emissions fee established by the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. The senators argue that this tax increases energy costs and exacerbates ongoing inflation issues for American…