Health & Voluntary Benefits Association Appoints Robert Lashley to Advisory Board

By HVBA – The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA) today announced the appointment of Robert Lashley, President and Chief Executive Officer of ClickEnroll, to its Advisory Board. Lashley brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across insurance, benefits technology, artificial intelligence, and enterprise software development, further strengthening HVBA’s mission to advance innovation, collaboration, and best practices across the voluntary benefits ecosystem. Read Full Article...

HVBA Article Summary

1. Rob Lashley’s Career and Industry Impact: Rob Lashley, a seasoned industry architect and technology leader, is the founder and CEO of ClickEnroll. He has built a career transforming complex and fragmented benefits enrollment systems into scalable, data-driven digital platforms. His work focuses on streamlining the enrollment experience, improving decision-making, and increasing engagement across the ecosystem—including employers, brokers, carriers, and employees—through intelligent automation and modern architectural frameworks.

2. Appointment to the HVBA Advisory Board: Lashley was recently appointed to the HVBA (Healthcare and Voluntary Benefits Association) Advisory Board, where his extensive background in enrollment innovation, data interoperability, and human-centered design was recognized as a strategic asset. His vision and leadership are expected to support HVBA’s mission to guide the voluntary benefits industry toward more effective and responsible innovation and collaboration.

3. Broad Industry Influence and Community Involvement: In addition to executive roles at companies like Manhattan Life and Humana, Lashley has played a pivotal role in shaping industry-wide data integration frameworks as a founding member of the LIMRA Data Exchange (LDEx) standards committee. His influence extends internationally as a speaker and advisor, and he is also dedicated to community impact through ongoing support of nonprofit and mission-driven organizations via technology consulting and strategic guidance.

New federal PBM transparency mandates include $10K-per-day fines for employers

By Allison Bell – Employers that violate the reporting rules in the new federal pharmacy benefit manager laws could end up owing $10,000 in fines per violation per day. PBMs that intentionally provide false information could end up owing $100,000 per lie. Laura Bibb, a benefits compliance attorney at Lockton, included that warning last week in an analysis of the new employer PBM laws. The new laws say nothing about which entity will actually pay the fines. Read Full Article...

HVBA Article Summary

1. Employers Should Scrutinize PBM Contracts Thoroughly
   With new federal transparency mandates taking effect under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) 2026, there is a growing concern that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) may try to shift liability for penalties onto employer plan sponsors through indemnification clauses in service contracts. Employers are strongly encouraged to review their PBM agreements in detail to ensure they are not contractually obligated to cover fines or civil monetary penalties arising from the PBMs’ failure to comply with the new requirements.

2. Transparency Requirements Bring Significant Financial Penalties
   The CAA 2026 introduces strict reporting obligations for PBMs, including passing along rebates and providing detailed prescription benefit data to employer-sponsored health plans. Employers must then share summary information with plan participants. Noncompliance could trigger severe penalties—$10,000 per day for failure to provide required information, and $100,000 per item for knowingly submitting false data—applicable to PBMs, insurers, or the employer plans themselves.

3. Good Faith Efforts Can Reduce Employer Exposure to Penalties
   While the law imposes tough standards, it also offers a safeguard: employers may avoid penalties by demonstrating that they made a good faith effort to comply with the requirements. This means employers should be proactive in documenting their compliance efforts, particularly in providing required notices and plan summaries to participants. Clear and consistent documentation may serve as essential protection against liability in case of disputes or audits.

Exclusive: House panel subpoenas 8 health insurers

By Maya Goldman – House Judiciary Committee Republicans have subpoenaed eight Affordable Care Act health insurers for documents as part of a widening investigation of potential fraud surrounding the use of premium subsidies in the individual market, Axios has learned. Why it matters: Enhanced premium tax credits for ACA coverage expired on Jan. 1. But Republicans are pressing forward with their probe of the Obamacare market — and putting heat on the entire health insurance industry. State of play: House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) issued subpoenas on Monday to get health insurers to send lawmakers more information on their subsidized ACA enrollees and discussions on subsidy-related fraud, the committee told Axios. Read Full Article...

HVBA Article Summary

1. Congressional Investigation into ACA Subsidy Fraud: The House Judiciary Committee, led by Chair Jim Jordan, has issued subpoenas to eight major health insurers as part of a probe into potential fraud involving Affordable Care Act premium subsidies. Lawmakers are seeking detailed information on subsidized enrollees, fraud prevention efforts, and communications with federal regulators. This investigation follows federal audit findings that uncovered risks and instances of fraudulent enrollments in the ACA marketplace.

2. Insurers' Responses and Compliance: The insurers targeted by the subpoenas include Elevance, CVS, Centene, GuideWell, Oscar Health, Kaiser Permanente, Health Care Service Corporation, and Blue Shield of California. Several insurers have stated they are cooperating with the committee and have already provided information or data, with some indicating no evidence of fraudulent enrollees. The committee, however, remains unsatisfied with the responses so far and is requesting more comprehensive documentation.

3. Policy Context and Potential Legislative Changes: The investigation comes after the expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies, which were temporarily expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. While premium assistance for lower- and middle-income individuals remains, efforts to reinstate broader subsidies have stalled in the Senate. The committee's findings may influence future legislative reforms aimed at strengthening program integrity and addressing fraud in the ACA marketplace.

Hims retreats from weight loss pill launch as Novo, FDA pressure mounts

By Fraiser Kansteiner – Hims & Hers caused a firestorm last week when it revealed that it planned to launch a knockoff version of Novo Nordisk's new oral weight loss medicine. But the reaction to the move has caused the company to quickly retreat. Following rebukes from Novo and the FDA commissioner earlier last week, Hims’ plan truly began to unravel on Friday, when Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) General Counsel Mike Stuart announced on X that his agency had referred the online health and wellness company to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation. Read Full Article...

HVBA Article Summary

1. Regulatory and Legal Scrutiny of Hims' Compounded Semaglutide Pill: Hims came under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for potential violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act after announcing plans to release a compounded semaglutide pill for weight loss. Novo Nordisk, the maker of the FDA-approved Wegovy, accused Hims of "illegal mass compounding" and filed a lawsuit claiming patent infringement. Both the FDA and Novo raised concerns over the safety and legality of Hims’ pill due to its untested delivery mechanism and lack of regulatory approval.

2. Hims' Retraction Amid Mounting Pressure: Facing criticism from federal regulators, legal threats from Novo Nordisk, and industry backlash, Hims announced it would stop offering access to its semaglutide-containing pill. The company said this decision followed “constructive conversations with stakeholders” and emphasized its ongoing commitment to providing safe and affordable care. Despite the retraction, Novo contends that Hims continues to unlawfully compound injectable semaglutide, which it claims is made with unverified active ingredients and could endanger patient health.

3. Broader Crackdown on Compounded GLP-1 Drugs: The FDA is stepping up enforcement against the unauthorized mass compounding of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, especially now that the shortages that once justified compounding have largely subsided. The agency specifically named Hims & Hers in a statement warning that non-FDA-approved products cannot be marketed as equivalent to FDA-approved drugs or claim proven clinical results. It pledged to use all available enforcement tools to address violations, including legal actions such as seizures and injunctions, signaling a firm regulatory stance moving forward.

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Simplify Form 5500 Reporting

By Emily Boyle – Nine members of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce sponsored a bill in the House of Representatives to simplify—particularly when seeking an extension—the process of filing Form 5500, the federal return for employee benefit plans that is submitted to the Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Read Full Article...

HVBA Article Summary

1. Proposed Change to Filing Deadline: A bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Glenn Grothman and Donald Norcross seeks to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by extending the annual Form 5500 filing deadline for calendar-year employee benefit plans from July 31 to October 15. This change would nearly eliminate the need for employers to file Form 5558 for an extension, reducing administrative delays and easing compliance burdens, especially for small and mid-sized businesses that often face time and resource constraints.

2. Streamlined and Modernized Electronic Filing Process: The legislation requires the Treasury Department, Department of Labor (DOL), and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to update their systems to permit fully electronic submission of Form 5500, including electronic signatures and any additional required documentation. While the DOL already mandates electronic filing through its EFAST2 system, this bill aims to unify and clarify the electronic filing process across agencies, making compliance more straightforward and less error-prone for plan sponsors.

3. Widespread Bipartisan and Industry Support: The bill has received broad support from both political parties and major industry organizations, such as the American Benefits Council, American Retirement Association, ERISA Industry Committee, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. All nine lawmakers backing the bill are members of the House Education and Workforce Committee, reflecting institutional interest in improving retirement plan administration. The proposal is now under review by both the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the House Committee on Ways and Means, indicating it is moving through key legislative channels.

Health savings accounts gain popularity as investment vehicles

By Jimmy Nesbitt – More Americans are putting their HSA dollars to work through investments, a move experts say could make it easier to cover the medical bills that come with getting older. Around 4 million HSAs — roughly 10% of all accounts — held at least some of their HSA dollars in investments at the middle of last year, according to the Devenir 2025 Midyear HSA Survey. That represents a 23% year-over-year increase. HSA assets also saw significant growth,reaching $159 billion across 40 million accounts, making a 16% year-over-year increase. Read Full Article... ^{_{(Subscription required)}}

HVBA Article Summary

1. Rapid Growth in HSA Assets and Investments: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) saw strong performance in the first half of 2025, growing to $159 billion in total assets across 40 million accounts, marking a 16% year-over-year increase. Investment assets now represent 46% of all HSA holdings, highlighting a shift toward using HSAs as long-term savings and investment tools. This growth reflects increasing consumer interest in maximizing HSAs for both current healthcare spending and future financial planning.

2. Awareness and Education Gaps Limit Full Utilization: While HSAs offer a triple tax advantage—including tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses—many users do not invest their funds. Experts point to a lack of awareness and limited communication, noting that many HR departments only promote HSA benefits during onboarding and open enrollment periods, missing opportunities to reinforce their long-term value. Without consistent education, even HR leaders may struggle to explain the strategic use of HSAs, leading many account holders to miss out on the benefits of compounding investment growth.

3. Legislative Expansion and Future Market Potential: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in 2025, expanded HSA eligibility to include Bronze and Catastrophic plansunder the Affordable Care Act, potentially bringing 3 to 4 million new participants into the market. This legislative change is expected to increase adoption among lower-income households and Gen Z workers, helping to broaden the reach of these accounts. Projections from Devenir suggest the HSA market will exceed 47 million accounts and $208 billion in assets by the end of 2027, signaling continued momentum and long-term growth.

Daily Coffee Tied to Brain Benefits

By Judy George – Moderate daily consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea was tied to reduced dementia risk and better cognitive function over time, a prospective study of health professionals showed. Over a median follow-up of 36.8 years, health professionals in the highest quartile of coffee drinking had an 18% lower risk of dementia compared with those in the lowest quartile (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.76-0.89, P<0.001), reported Dong Wang, MD, ScD, of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and colleagues. Read Full Article...

HVBA Article Summary

1. Moderate Caffeinated Coffee or Tea Intake and Dementia Risk: Drinking 2–3 cups of caffeinated coffee or 1–2 cups of tea daily was linked to a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive outcomes in a study of 131,821 participants. Top coffee drinkers had a 15% lower prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (prevalence ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.93; P<0.001). No cognitive benefit was observed from higher intake or decaffeinated coffee.

2. Modest Effect Sizes and Broader Context for Cognitive Health: Cognitive performance improvements among high coffee and tea consumers were statistically significant but modest. In the Nurses’ Health Study, higher intake was linked to slightly better TICS scores, but global cognition z scores showed no significant association. Researchers emphasized caffeine is just one of many factors contributing to brain health.

3. Long-Term, Large-Scale Evidence with Notable Limitations: The study followed over 131,000 health professionals for up to 43 years, identifying 11,033 dementia cases. Findings were consistent across variables like BMI, smoking, and genetic risk factors. However, limitations included potential residual confounding, lack of beverage detail, and limited generalizability beyond the study population.