Many requirements under Health Care Reform (“HCR”) have not been delayed; among them is the payment and filing of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (

Previously, we reported that effective August 1, 2013, Minnesota will begin authorizing and recognizing marriages between spouses of the same sex. 

Beginning August 1, 2013, same sex couples will be allowed to marry in Minnesota. As a result, such marriages will be recognized as “lawful,” and a same sex spouse will be treated as a spouse for virtually all purposes under Minnesota law.

June 7, 2013 – Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (“PCORI”) Fees Many plan sponsors of self-insured health plans are required to pay PCORI fees by July 31, 2013.  Specifically, the fees…

January 25, 2013 – Transitional Reinsurance Fees Each state that operates an Exchange is required to establish a temporary reinsurance program (that will exist from 2014 to 2016) to which…

January 3, 2013 – Play or Pay Proposed Regulations Issued Happy New Year! In keeping with its practice of issuing guidance right before a holiday, late on December 28th the…

August 30, 2012 – The Future of HRAs Restrictions and mandates under Health Care Reform have raised issues with respect to the future of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).  Based upon…

August 7, 2012 – Medicare Advantage Plans and SBCs On August 7, 2012, the DOL posted a new FAQ regarding the requirement to distribute summaries of benefits and coverage (“SBCs”).…

July 26, 2012 – MLR REBATES: What to do with them THIS ALERT ADDRESSES INSURED GROUP HEALTH PLANS SUBJECT TO ERISA.  IMPORTANT:  Insured group health plans that are not subject…

July 24, 2012 – SBC Compliance Part II This is the second of a two-part alert regarding Summaries of Benefits and Coverage (“SBCs”) required of certain group health plans as…