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IRS Loosens Preventive Care Coverage Rules

InterWest Insurance Services

New guidance issued by the IRS expands the types of preventive care benefits that high-deductible health plans are required to cover with no out-of-pocket costs on the part of plan enrollees. The changes are aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for diabetes-related expenses, certain cancer screenings and contraceptives.

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Financial Burnout in 2025: How to Address Employee Concerns

Best Money Moves

Healthcare costs and employee financial burnout Many workers face especially high anxiety over healthcare costs. According to the 2023-2024 Aflac WorkForces Report, 50% of workers report anxiety about out-of-pocket health care expenses, even beyond what insurance covers.

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Health Plans Covering Fewer Drugs, Imposing More Restrictions

InterWest Insurance Services

As prescription drug costs continue growing and pricey new pharmaceuticals add to health plans’ cost burdens, some carriers are starting to reduce the number of medications they’ll cover and are imposing new barriers to accessing the most expensive ones.

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Budgeting and Prepping for Open Enrollment

InterWest Insurance Services

Going out of network is discouraged with high out-of-pocket costs. Preferred provider organizations – PPOs contract with hospital and provider networks to help control costs. While they will cover services outside of the network, the cost is higher than going in-network.

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Budgeting and Prepping for Open Enrollment

InterWest Insurance Services

Going out of network is discouraged with high out-of-pocket costs. Preferred provider organizations – PPOs contract with hospital and provider networks to help control costs. While they will cover services outside of the network, the cost is higher than going in-network.

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Insulin Makers Cap Prices for Insured Individuals

InterWest Insurance Services

Finally, Sanofi two days later announced that it would cap the out-of-pocket cost of its most popular insulin, Lantus, at $35 per month for people with private insurance. On March 14, Denmark-based Novo Nordisk announced that it would lower the U.S. for a single vial and $139.71 The new pricing will take effect Jan.

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Employee Mental Health Leave Requests Skyrocketing

InterWest Insurance Services

Consider adding a direct primary care benefit, which allows workers and covered family members unlimited appointments with their primary care physician with no out-of-pocket costs. In 2024, over 50% of organizations plan to add paid parental leave, paid mental health days and flexible time off programs.