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Articles by Lindsay Goodman
US Department of Labor Clarifies Mental Health Parity Enforcement Focus
The US Department of Labor’s recent bulletin updates the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s enforcement priorities for nonquantitative treatment limitations under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
DOL Proposes New Electronic Disclosure Safe Harbor for Group Health Plans under ERISA
The US Department of Labor issued a proposed rule on July 23, 2026 that would modernize the electronic disclosure requirements applicable to ERISA-covered group health plans. The proposal would create a new optional electronic disclosure safe harbor that would permit plan administrators to satisfy many ERISA disclosure obligations through electronic delivery, subject to specified participant protections.
IRS Updates FAQs on Educational Assistance Programs and Releases New Sample Plan Document
The Internal Revenue Service has released updated frequently asked questions addressing educational assistance programs under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, along with a revised sample plan document, Publication 5993 (Rev. 4-2026). The updated guidance represents changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill of 2025, providing clarification for employers that offer—or are considering offering—tuition assistance or student loan repayment benefits.
IRS Updates FAQs on Educational Assistance Programs and Releases New Sample Plan Document
The Internal Revenue Service has released updated frequently asked questions addressing educational assistance programs under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, along with a revised sample plan document, Publication 5993 (Rev. 4-2026). The updated guidance represents changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill of 2025, providing clarification for employers that offer—or are considering offering—tuition assistance or student loan repayment benefits.
Roth Catch-Up Rules Finalized: What Multiemployer Plans Need to Know
The US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have finalized regulations under the SECURE 2.0 Act that change how certain retirement plan participants may make catch-up contributions. Beginning in 2026, participants whose income meets certain thresholds and who are eligible to make catch-up contributions may, in many cases, only be permitted to do so on a Roth (after-tax) basis.
Roth Catch-Up Rules Finalized: What Multiemployer Plans Need to Know
The US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have finalized regulations under the SECURE 2.0 Act that change how certain retirement plan participants may make catch-up contributions. Beginning in 2026, participants whose income meets certain thresholds and who are eligible to make catch-up contributions may, in many cases, only be permitted to do so on a Roth (after-tax) basis.
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026: The New Landscape of PBM Fiduciary Oversight | JD Supra
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 (CAA 2026), signed into law on February 3, 2026, includes provisions that reform how group health plans contract with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The legislation is designed to enhance transparency, strengthen fiduciary oversight, and ensure plan fiduciaries have the information needed to assess PBM compensation and practices.
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026: The New Landscape of PBM Fiduciary Oversight
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 (CAA 2026), signed into law on February 3, 2026, includes provisions that reform how group health plans contract with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The legislation is designed to enhance transparency, strengthen fiduciary oversight, and ensure plan fiduciaries have the information needed to assess PBM compensation and practices.
White House Unveils Proposed ‘Great Healthcare Plan’: Considerations for Employer Health and Welfare Plan Sponsors | JD Supra
The US administration announced the “Great Healthcare Plan” on January 15, 2026, outlining a framework for potential healthcare reform focused on cost containment, consumer choice, and transparency. The proposal builds on prior regulatory initiatives addressing hospital and insurer price transparency, prescription drug pricing, and health plan disclosures, but contemplates broader statutory changes that would require congressional approval.
White House Unveils Proposed ‘Great Healthcare Plan’: Considerations for Employer Health and Welfare Plan Sponsors
The US administration announced the “Great Healthcare Plan” on January 15, 2026, outlining a framework for potential healthcare reform focused on cost containment, consumer choice, and transparency. The proposal builds on prior regulatory initiatives addressing hospital and insurer price transparency, prescription drug pricing, and health plan disclosures, but contemplates broader statutory changes that would require congressional approval.
Straight to the Source: What Direct Drug Models Mean for Employer Plan Sponsors in 2026 | JD Supra
Alternative prescription drug access models—including direct-to-employer (DTE) and direct-to-consumer (DTC)—are gaining traction as employers reassess traditional pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)-based pricing structures. As these models expand, plan sponsors must evaluate their impact on plan design, fiduciary oversight, data transparency, and PBM contracting. For decades, employer-sponsored group health plans have relied on PBMs to manage prescription drug access and pricing.
Straight to the Source: What Direct Drug Models Mean for Employer Plan Sponsors in 2026
Alternative prescription drug access models—including direct-to-employer (DTE) and direct-to-consumer (DTC)—are gaining traction as employers reassess traditional pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)-based pricing structures. As these models expand, plan sponsors must evaluate their impact on plan design, fiduciary oversight, data transparency, and PBM contracting. For decades, employer-sponsored group health plans have relied on PBMs to manage prescription drug access and pricing.
One Big Beautiful Bill: Impact on Welfare Benefits
President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) into law on July 4, 2025. The OBBB is a wide-ranging piece of legislation that introduces significant reforms across multiple areas of federal policy, including changes affecting group health plans in the areas of telehealth coverage and dependent care assistance.
What Parity Rule Freeze Means For Plan Sponsors
By Saghi Fattahian, Lindsay Goodman and Allison Fepelstein ( June 10, 2025, 2:14 PM EDT) -- In a closely watched and significant development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Department of the Treasury filed a motion in ERISA Industry Committee vs. HHS to suspend the lawsuit challenging final regulations issued under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.... Law360 is on it, so you are, too.
What Parity Rule Freeze Means for Plan Sponsors, Law360
Partner Sage Fattahian and associates Lindsay Goodman and Allison Fepelstein authored a Law360 article discussing the temporary suspension of the 2024 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act final rule. They highlight the legal developments, the ongoing requirements under older rules, and the continued need for plan sponsors to conduct comparative analyses to ensure compliance with mental health parity laws. Read the full Law360 article >>
Executive Order Targets Prescription Drug Pricing: Potential Impact on Group Health Plans | JD Supra
President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) on May 12, 2025 to address the high cost of prescription drugs in the United States with the goal of ensuring Americans have access to most-favored-nation (MFN) pricing, which aligns drug prices in the United States with those in comparably developed countries. The EO directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to facilitate programs for direct-to-consumer purchasing from pharmaceutical manufacturers at MFN prices.
Executive Order Targets Prescription Drug Pricing: Potential Impact on Group Health Plans
President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) on May 12, 2025 to address the high cost of prescription drugs in the United States with the goal of ensuring Americans have access to most-favored-nation (MFN) pricing, which aligns drug prices in the United States with those in comparably developed countries. The EO directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to facilitate programs for direct-to-consumer purchasing from pharmaceutical manufacturers at MFN prices.
Mental Health Parity Non-Enforcement Statement Released | JD Supra
The US Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (the Departments) announced their non-enforcement policy on May 15, 2025, indicating they will not enforce any new requirements imposed by the Requirements Related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (2024 Final Rule) until a final court ruling on a lawsuit filed by the ERISA Industry Committee in the US District Court for the District of Colombia challenging certain provisions of the 2024 Final...
US District Court Grants Freeze on Mental Health Parity Enforcement | JD Supra
The US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (together, the Departments) filed a motion to suspend the litigation proceedings in The ERISA Industry Committee vs. HHS et al. on May 9, 2025 while the government reconsiders final regulations implementing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). On May 12, the US District Court for the District of Columbia granted the stay.
Mental Health Parity Non-Enforcement Statement Released
The US Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (the Departments) announced their non-enforcement policy on May 15, 2025, indicating they will not enforce any new requirements imposed by the Requirements Related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (2024 Final Rule) until a final court ruling on a lawsuit filed by the ERISA Industry Committee in the US District Court for the District of Colombia challenging certain provisions of the 2024 Final...
US District Court Grants Freeze on Mental Health Parity Enforcement
The US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (together, the Departments) filed a motion to suspend the litigation proceedings in The ERISA Industry Committee vs. HHS et al. on May 9, 2025 while the government reconsiders final regulations implementing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). On May 12, the US District Court for the District of Columbia granted the stay.
US Administration’s Executive Orders and Actions’ Impact on Group Health Plans | JD Supra
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders (EOs) and actions that may have an impact on group health plans. These EOs provide insight into the US administration’s policies and outline potential actions that regulatory agencies and Congress may take to implement these policies. The Executive Orders Regulatory Freeze Pending Review – This EO institutes a regulatory freeze, which is a standard procedure for any new administration.
US Administration’s Executive Orders and Actions’ Impact on Group Health Plans
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders (EOs) and actions that may have an impact on group health plans. These EOs provide insight into the US administration’s policies and outline potential actions that regulatory agencies and Congress may take to implement these policies. The Executive Orders Regulatory Freeze Pending Review – This EO institutes a regulatory freeze, which is a standard procedure for any new administration.
Despite Challenges to Reproductive Healthcare Privacy Final Rule, Plan Sponsors Should Still Comply by December 23 | JD Supra
The US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) final rule on reproductive healthcare privacy is already subject to challenge even before its effective date. As described in our previous blog post, the HHS issued final rules amending the HIPAA Privacy Rule, with the intention of enhancing safeguards surrounding the use and disclosure of protected health information in the context of reproductive healthcare.
Federal Agencies Release Final MHPAEA Regulations: Navigating the Key Changes, Lexis Practical Guidance
Lexis Practical Guidance published an article written by partner Sage Fattahian and associates Lindsay Goodman and Allison Fepelstein discussing final rules issued by the US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The article provides a summary of key modifications to the proposed rules and notes important requirement dates in the months ahead.
CMS Disclosures Due October 15: Is Your Plan’s Rx Coverage Still Creditable? | JD Supra
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) made several changes to Medicare Part D that may impact whether employer-sponsored coverage will be creditable for the 2025 plan year. With open enrollment season about to begin, plan sponsors that provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible individuals should double check their plan’s creditable coverage status for 2025. What Is Creditable Coverage?
CMS Disclosures Due October 15: Is Your Plan’s Rx Coverage Still Creditable?
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) made several changes to Medicare Part D that may impact whether employer-sponsored coverage will be creditable for the 2025 plan year. With open enrollment season about to begin, plan sponsors that provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible individuals should double check their plan’s creditable coverage status for 2025. What Is Creditable Coverage?
Federal Agencies Release Final MHPAEA Regulations: Navigating the Key Changes | JD Supra
The US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) released their much anticipated final rules implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), including a fact sheet summarizing key takeaways, on September 9, 2024.
Federal Agencies Release Final MHPAEA Regulations: Navigating the Key Changes
The US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) released their much anticipated final rules implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), including a fact sheet summarizing key takeaways, on September 9, 2024.
Federal Agencies Release Final MHPAEA Regulations: Navigating the Key Changes
The US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) released their much anticipated final rules implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), including a fact sheet summarizing key takeaways, on September 9, 2024.
HHS Issues Final Regulations on Section 1557: Implications for Health Plans | JD Supra
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued final regulations implementing Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will restore and expand the scope of civil rights protections for patients. As background, Section 1557 protections were added by regulations promulgated by HHS during the Obama administration in 2016.
Do Abusive People Always Isolate Their Victims? on Apple Podcasts
In this episode I talk about how abusive people can isolate their victims at home but SOMETIMES they encourage victims to leave home. Why? Website: thelindsaygoodman.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/itsnotallrainbows/support
Monkey Branching on Apple Podcasts
In this episode I talk about monkey branching and what that can look like. Website: thelindsaygoodman.com 1:1 coaching: calendly.com/thelindsaygoodman --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/itsnotallrainbows/support
Why Does My Abuser Look SO Happy!? on Apple Podcasts
In this episode I talk about why abusive people LOOK so happy after your relationship with them ends. Website: thelindsaygoodman.com 1:1 coaching: calendly.com/thelindsaygoodman --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/itsnotallrainbows/support
Managing Welfare Plan Risk: The Fiduciary Committee, Lexis Practical Guidance
Lexis Practical Guidance published an article written by partner Sage Fattahian, associates Allison Fepelstein and Lindsay Goodman, and senior client employee advisor Robert Hunter discussing reasons why employers may want to consider setting up a welfare plan fiduciary committee.
Managing Welfare Plan Risk: The Fiduciary Committee | JD Supra
Fiduciary committees have long been established in connection with retirement plans to manage the investment, legal compliance, and operational risks that can arise under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). Since the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and, more recently, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), welfare plan fiduciaries continue to take on increasing compliance responsibilities.
Managing Welfare Plan Risk: The Fiduciary Committee
Fiduciary committees have long been established in connection with retirement plans to manage the investment, legal compliance, and operational risks that can arise under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). Since the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and, more recently, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), welfare plan fiduciaries continue to take on increasing compliance responsibilities.
Managing Welfare Plan Risk: The Fiduciary Committee
Fiduciary committees have long been established in connection with retirement plans to manage the investment, legal compliance, and operational risks that can arise under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). Since the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and, more recently, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), welfare plan fiduciaries continue to take on increasing compliance responsibilities.
No. 15 Women’s Ice Hockey Handles Salve Regina, 5-2
BEVERLY, Mass. – The No. 15 women's ice hockey team defeated Salve Regina, 5-2, in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) action on Saturday evening at Raymond J. Bourque Arena. Teaghan Hall (West Springfield, Mass.) and Samantha Fantasia (Billerica, Mass.) both scored twice, while Lindsay Goodman (Newmarket, N.H.) also found the back of the net in the victory. Hall buried tallies at 8:48 and 18:39 of the first period before Fantasia scored in the following two stanzas (2nd – 10:31 | 3rd – 14:36).
A Guide to the Securitization Conflicts of Interest Rule
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More than a decade after its initial proposal, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has at long last adopted a final rule under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), prohibiting material conflicts of interest in asset-backed securities (ABS) transactions, as required by Section 621 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.
By Charles A. Sweet, Philip Russell, Ellen Weinstein, Patrick Lampe, Merryn Craske, Lindsay Goodman, Richard Hanson, Theresa Kradjian, Paul Matthews, Reed Auerbach, Harlyn Bohensky, Steven Becker, Matthew Joseph, Keith Krasney, Steve Levitan, Barry N. Hurwitz, Milan G. Wozniak, Edmond Seferi, Philip S. Sarid
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Lexology
Verified
First Gag Clause Attestations Due From Group Health Plans by December 31 | JD Supra
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), requires group health plans and insurers to annually attest that they are in compliance with the gag clause prohibition under the CAA. The first attestation is due no later than December 31, 2023 and covers the period from the date of the enactment of the CAA on December 27, 2020 through the date of the attestation. Future attestations will be due each subsequent December 31 and will cover the period since the last attestation was completed.
Plan Sponsors and Fiduciaries: Some Clarity on Mental Health Parity Compliance | JD Supra
A recently issued White House Fact Sheet, along with a regulatory package from the US Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services (the Departments), provides some welcome clarity for plan sponsors and fiduciaries on the requirements imposed on group health plans by the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), while also raising key questions for stakeholders.
Plan Sponsors and Fiduciaries: Some Clarity on Mental Health Parity Compliance
A recently issued White House Fact Sheet, along with a regulatory package from the US Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services (the Departments), provides some welcome clarity for plan sponsors and fiduciaries on the requirements imposed on group health plans by the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), while also raising key questions for stakeholders.
Plan Sponsors and Fiduciaries: Some Clarity on Mental Health Parity Compliance
A recently issued White House Fact Sheet, along with a regulatory package from the US Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services (the Departments), provides some welcome clarity for plan sponsors and fiduciaries on the requirements imposed on group health plans by the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), while also raising key questions for stakeholders.
Preparing for the End of COVID-19 Emergency Periods: To-Dos for Plan Sponsors and Administrators | JD Supra
The COVID-19 pandemic brought multiple temporary changes for ERISA-governed group health and welfare plans. Certain coverage mandates apply for only the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (the Public Health Emergency), while certain ERISA deadline relief applies only during the COVID-19 outbreak period (the Outbreak Period).
IRS Adjusts HSA Amounts to Account for Inflation | JD Supra
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. For calendar year 2023, individuals who have self-only coverage under a high-deductible health plan may contribute up to $3,850 on a pre-tax basis. Individuals who have family coverage under a high-deductible health plan may contribute up to $7,750 on a pre-tax basis. The amounts for 2022 were $3,650 and $7,300, respectively.
Surprise! Texas District Court Strikes Down Portions of No Surprises Act | JD Supra
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.
New Guidance Enhances Flexibility for Covering OTC COVID-19 Tests | JD Supra
The US Departments of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Treasury issued new frequently asked questions on February 4, 2022, regarding coverage of over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests at no cost sharing (i.e., deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance), prior authorization, or other medical management requirements during the public health emergency.
Mental Health Parity Compliance: Report to Congress Sheds Light on NQTL Comparative Analyses Requirement | JD Supra
The US Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury issued their 2022 Report to Congress regarding their enforcement activities under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act as required under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which mandates that group health plans offering medical/surgical and mental health/substance use disorder coverage that impose non-quantitative treatment limitations on such benefits provide comparative analyses and documentation...
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