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Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Ohio Permitting Deferral of Health Care Premiums for Employer Plans

Client Alert

Effective March 20, 2020 and continuing through the expiration of the state of emergency declared by Governor DeWine on March 9, 2020, the Ohio Department of Insurance is requiring all health insurance companies operating in Ohio to give their insureds the option of deferring premium payments coming due, interest free, for up to 60 calendar days from each original premium due date.  See Department of Insurance Bulletin 2020-03.

The Ohio Department of Insurance is also requiring insurers to:

  • permit employers to continue covering an employee under group policies even if the employee would otherwise become ineligible due to a decrease in hours worked per week; and
  • permit employers to continue providing coverage to employees under group policies regardless of any “actively at work” or similar eligibility requirements in the policy.

Additionally, the Ohio Department of Insurance is prohibiting insurers from increasing premium rates based on an employer group’s decreased enrollment or participation due to COVID-19. Click here for a link to the full bulletin.

If you have any questions, please contact Adam D. Fuller at adfuller@bmdllc.com, or feel free to contact your primary BMD Attorney.


New Florida Law: Patient Overpayments Must Be Refunded Within 30 Days

Effective January 1, 2026, Florida Senate Bill 1808 requires health care facilities and practitioners to refund patient overpayments within 30 days after an overpayment is identified. The law applies to overpayments tied to claims submitted to government programs or private insurers and introduces fines and disciplinary consequences for noncompliance. Providers should review billing and payment practices now to prepare for the new requirements.

USCIS Policy Change Impacting Work Authorization: Advisory for Employers and Human Resources

USCIS has issued a policy memorandum pausing immigration benefit processing for individuals from 19 high-risk countries and requiring a re-review of certain previously approved cases. This change may affect work authorization, employment verification, and workforce stability. Employers and HR teams should review impacted employees and update compliance procedures.

CMS Releases CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule with Key Payment and Telehealth Updates

CMS issued the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule on October 31, 2025, with changes effective January 1, 2026. The Final Rule includes increases to the conversion factor, a new efficiency adjustment, updates to practice expense methodology, permanent telehealth policy changes, revised payment for skin substitutes, expanded rules for Part B drugs and biologicals, enhanced policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers, and new care management and behavioral health services.

Ohio Department of Medicaid Updates: Key Changes to Physician Reimbursement Rates in Early Parenthood

The Ohio Department of Medicaid has proposed amending Ohio Administrative Code Rule related to covered Medicaid reimbursements for physicians. Beginning on January 1, 2026, they are proposing an increase to rates for prenatal care, childbirth, and infant care and provider visits.

Name, Image, and Likeness Agreements in Healthcare

For example, some healthcare providers have begun to utilize "Name, Image, and Likeness" agreements to promote the brand they have created through their healthcare practice.  We have seen the most healthcare NIL activity with longevity and wellness providers, as well as orthopedics.