ML BeneBits

EXAMINING A RANGE OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ISSUES

Anti-ESG state legislation continues to focus on public retirement plan investing and asset management. Over the last year, 18 states have proposed or adopted state legislation or regulation limiting the ability of the state government, including public retirement plans, to do business with entities that are identified as “boycotting” certain industries based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Since our last update, four states have either adopted or proposed legislation or other forms of regulation that would restrict ESG activities using state assets.

Late on May 2, various media outlets published a draft US Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court confirmed the authenticity of the document on May 3 but cautioned that the opinion was still in process and subject to revision. Twenty-three states have laws that criminalize abortion or say that abortion will automatically become criminalized if Roe is overturned. When navigating these issues and potential responses, particularly changes to plans that permit reimbursement for abortions outside of particular states, employers should consider several factors.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2022-24 on April 29 to provide the inflation-adjusted amounts for health savings accounts (HSAs) in calendar year 2023.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which was signed March 15, again permits first-dollar coverage for telehealth services without jeopardizing health savings account (HSA) eligibility, effective April 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
In the case of Texas Medical Ass'n, et al. v. US Department of Health and Human Services, et al., the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on February 23 invalidated portions of the second interim final rule (IFR) issued by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) under the No Surprises Act.

The Department of Labor (Department) issued Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2021-03 (FAB) on December 30, 2021, announcing a temporary enforcement policy for group health plan service provider disclosures under ERISA Section 408(b)(2)(B).

At the end of each fiscal year, the US Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) compiles the monetary results it obtained through various initiatives meant to ensure compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Recent LawFlashes from the employee benefits practice include IRS FAQs: A Potential Shield for Taxpayers—Not a Sword for the Service, A Survival Guide to DOL Group Health Plan Mental Health Parity Audits, and ERISA Fiduciaries: DOL Proposed Rule Signals More Ease for ESG Investing.
Join Morgan Lewis this month for these programs on employee benefits and executive compensation.