About the Program

Each year, NEEBC’s annual Washington Update highlights the newest laws, regulations, policy initiatives and other trends affecting employee benefit plans, of which there is no shortage in 2023.

Compelling discussions are top-of-mind relating to pricing of, and access to, prescription drugs, including the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers.  “Pharmacoequity,” a new term used frequently in 2023, describes our industry’s need to ensure that everyone has the chance to be as healthy as possible.  A Washington-focused panel of experts on this topic begins this year’s Update.  Hear responses to questions such as: How would you describe the current state of medication access and affordability?  What are the main barriers that patients face, particularly in terms of disparities?

On the pension side, there are the changes introduced by the SECURE Act 2.0, which includes a number of changes that affect both defined benefit pension plans. This includes new reporting and disclosure requirements, changes to fiduciary duties in connection with annuity purchases, student loan relief, and streamlined correction procedures. Where welfare benefits are concerned, there are the surprise billing rules, a host of transparency items, mental health partity, and telehealth. 

There is also the Biden administration’s assault on “junk insurance,” addressing surprising fees, which has roped in fixed indemnity coverage and level funding.

With executives in the room from D.C.’s Departments of both Labor and Treasury, these and other topics will be addressed from the government and the private sectors.