Susan J. Freed
CONCENTRATION
Susan is a senior shareholder at the Davis Brown Law Firm where she practices in the areas of health law and employee benefits. She is the former chair of both the firm's Business Division and Health Law department. She practices in the firm's Des Moines office.
Health Law
In her health law practice, Susan represents a wide variety of health care providers—including physicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, and county facilities—with respect to transactional, reimbursement, and regulatory issues. She drafts contracts, employment agreements, physician recruitment agreements, corporate documents and corporate policies. In addition, she counsels clients on various health law issues including health care reform, fraud and abuse, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, EMTALA, managed care contracts, and confidentiality laws. In connection with her health law practice, Susan also handles surrogacy arrangements.
Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation
Susan’s employee benefits practice consists of advising employers on employee welfare benefit issues including the Affordable Care Act, ERISA, COBRA and HIPAA. She drafts and reviews a variety of plan documents and summary plan descriptions and also assists employers with implementing the Affordable Care Act and other regulatory changes.
Awards & Honors
- The Best Lawyers in America© 2020, Health Care Law. Susan has been ranked by Best Lawyers since 2012.
- Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A, Iowa Ranked Up & Coming, 2013
- 2013 Great Plains Super Lawyers “Rising Star” - Health Care
PUBLICATIONS, SPEECHES AND SEMINARS
Susan is a frequent presenter on health law and employee benefit issues including, wellness programs, HIPAA, and employee benefit issues.
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“Healthcare Facility Policies & Medical Marijuana,” with Katelynn McCollough, Davis Brown Spring Seminar, March 2019.
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“Patients in Limbo - Awaiting Patient Placement,” with Jo Ellen Whitney, Davis Brown Spring Seminar, April 2018.
- “ACA Updates and Trends,” with Ed Brown, Iowa Clinic, 2Know Workshop, April 2017.
- “ACA Repeal/Repair Update,” Iowa Bankers Insurance and Services, April 2017.
- "You Want How Much to Move the Piano Here? Issues in Contracting, Hiring, and Retaining Medical Providers," with Jo Ellen Whitney, Davis Brown Spring Seminar, April 2017.
- "The Future of Health Care Reform & What it Means for Employers," Davis Brown Spring Seminar, April 2017.
- “Employee Benefits Update,” Davis Brown Spring Seminar, April 2016.
- “Managed Care Contracting,” Davis Brown Spring Seminar, April 2016.
- “PPACA Employer Reporting Requirements-Forms 1094-C and 1095-C,” Central Iowa Society of Human Resource Management, September 2015.
- "Reducing Your Whistleblower Risk," Davis Brown Spring Seminar, April 2015.
- "ACA Update: 6055/6056 Reporting," Davis Brown Spring Seminar, April 2015.
- 6055/6056 Reporting Webinar, Group Benefits, Ltd, January 2015.
- 6055/6056 Reporting, Benefit Source, January 2015.
- Health Care Reform Update, Iowa Public Employer Labor Relations Association, December 2014.
- Affordable Care Act: 10 Things to Watch in 2015, Davis Brown Health Law Seminar, November 2014.
- Best Practices in Physician and Mid-Level Employment Agreements, Davis Brown Health Law Seminar, November 2014.
- Health Care Reform Update, Iowa CEBS Annual Symposium, August 2014.
- What’s in Store for 2014 and Beyond, Davis Brown Employment Law Seminar, April 2014.
- Employer Mandate: What do the New Rules Mean for your Company?, Webinar, February 2014.
- Health Care Reform & Public Employers, Iowa Public Employer Labor Relations Association, September 2012.
- HIPAA Compliance for LTC Staff, Iowa Health Care Association Webinar, January 2012.
- Health Care Reform Update, Iowa Workforce Development, October 2011.
- Stark Law Compliance in 2011, Iowa Medical Group Management Association, September 2011.
- Health Care Reform: What to Expect Now & In the Future, Iowa Hospital Association, October 2010.
- “What Does Federal Health Care Legislation Mean For Your Business,” Greater Des Moines Partnership panel presentation, May 2010.
- Employee Benefits Section, Iowa Bar Association’s Business Law Manual, co-author.
- Employee Benefit Section of the Iowa Human Resources Manual for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, co-author.
community
Susan served on the boards of directors of the Wellness Council of Iowa and the West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation. Susan was recently appointed to serve on the Iowa Department of Health e-Health Research Committee, a workgroup charged with providing the Director with advice and feedback on potential research uses of data being exchanged through Iowa’s Health Information Network. She is also a graduate of the 2002-2003 class of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and a 2011 graduate of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy.
Of note
Susan was an adjunct professor at the Drake University Law School and taught a health law course for four years.
She currently serves on the firm’s Client Development Committee and is a former member of the firm’s Board of Directors.
ACADEMICS
Susan earned her law degree with a certificate in health law from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois.
Memberships
Alma Maters
Bar Admissions
Articles
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CARES Act: Employee Benefits - Health and Retirement Plans
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Notable CARES Act Provisions for Healthcare Providers
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Governor Mandates Postponement of Non-Essential Surgeries and Procedures
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CMS Issues FAQs Regarding Provider Enrollment, Including Telehealth
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AMA Guidance on Ethics Issues
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Davis Brown Law Firm Remains Open, Closes Physical Offices
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Health Law Quick Take: Elective Surgeries
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act Overview
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Davis Brown Law Firm COVID-19 Update
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Hospital COVID-19 Community Spread Checklist
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CMS Issues New Guidance for Nursing Homes in Light of COVID-19 Spread
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COVID-19 FAQ: Homeless Shelters, Transitional Housing and Other Providers of Services to Homeless Individuals
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COVID-19 FAQ: Community Service Providers
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HR Quick Take: Taking Employee Temperatures
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HR Quick Take: COVID-19 and Employer-Sponsored Health Plans
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Legal Resources
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CMS Issues Updated Guidance for Nursing Homes
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COVID-19: 5 Things Hospitals & Nursing Homes Should Do Now
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updated Resources for Healthcare Providers
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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Health Care Providers
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Davis Brown Named "Best Law Firm" in Des Moines for 14 Consecutive Years
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42 Davis Brown Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020
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43 Davis Brown attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019
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2018 Spring Seminar "Patients in Limbo - Awaiting Patient Placement"
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New ERISA Regulations Effective April 1: Disability Determinations Under Employer Sponsored Benefit Plans
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DOL Proposes Rules to Expand Association Health Plans: What it May Mean for Trade Associations, Businesses, and Sole Proprietors
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CBD and Hemp Products
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Update on Employer Wellness Incentives
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Innovation Advancement Workshop Features Davis Brown Attorneys
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Lori Chesser and Susan Freed Present at Iowa State Bar Association Seminar
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38 Davis Brown attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018
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Employer Health Insurance Legislation Update: The Better Care Act
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Senate Leaders Release Draft ACA Repeal Legislation
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Iowa Gun Legislation & Its Impact on Government Health Care Facilities
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HHS Issues Cyber Threat Warning to US Hospitals and Medical Providers
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Employer Update: American Health Care Act
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2017 Spring Seminar "The Future of Health Care Reform"
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2017 Spring Seminar "Issues in Contracting, Hiring, and Retaining Medical Providers"
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Future of the Affordable Care Act & Potential Impact on Employer Sponsored Health Benefits
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32 Davis Brown attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017
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Form 1095-C and I-9 Compliance: How to handle "mismatches"
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2016 Spring Seminar "Managed Care Contracting"
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2016 Spring Seminar "Employee Benefits Update"
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Four Davis Brown Attorneys Named "Lawyer of the Year" and 35 listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2016
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2015 Spring Seminar "Reducing Your Whistleblower Risk"
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2015 Spring Seminar "ACA Update: 6055/6056 Reporting"
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Davis Brown Premier Sponsor of Leadership Education and Advancement Pipeline (LEAP)
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2014 Health Law Seminar - "Affordable Care Act: 10 Things to Watch in 2015"
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2014 Health Law Seminar - "Best Practices in Physician and Mid-Level Employment Agreements"
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Health Law Blog: Court Strikes Down Tax Credit Provision for Low Income Americans Participating Through Federal and Federal/State Partnership Exchanges
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2014 Employment Law Seminar - "Heath Care Reform Update - What's in Store for 2014 and Beyond"
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Health Law Blog: County Government Settles Alleged HIPAA Violations
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Employment Law Blog: Webinar - Federal Contractor Compliance Update: AAP Changes & Minimum Wage Issues
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Webinar: "Employer Mandate: What Do the New Rules Mean for Your Company?"
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Employment Law Blog: President Obama Raises Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors
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Health Law Blog: President Obama Raises Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors
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Final Rules Relating to Employer Mandate Released
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Health Law Blog: Covered Entity Fined $150,000 For Stolen Unencrypted Thumb Drive
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Health Law Blog: Court's Decision Another Reminder to Hospitals To Use Caution in Calculating Physician Productivity Bonuses
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Health Care Reform Blog: Regulators Provide ACA Guidance on Volunteer Emergency Workers
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Health Care Reform Blog: Additional Health Care Reform FAQs Issued
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Webinar - Health Law Seminar - "Physician Compensation Issues"
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Health Care Reform Blog: DOL Releases Final Mental Health Parity Rules
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Webinar - Financial Assistance Policy Requirements for Hospitals with 501(c)(3) Status
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Health Law Blog: HIPAA Update: Don't Forget Your Photocopiers
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33 Davis Brown attorneys named "Best Lawyers in America"
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Health Care Reform Blog: Play or Pay Rules Delayed
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Health Care Reform Blog: IRS Releases Updated Form 720 for PCORI Fee Reporting
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Chambers USA Ranks 14 Davis Brown Attorneys among Best in the U.S.
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Health Care Reform Blog: "Bare Bones" Health Plans- Are They Legal?
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Health Care Reform Blog: DOL Releases Model Health Insurance Marketplace Notice For Distribution by Employers
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Employment Law Blog: Five Things To Do Now to Prepare for Health Care Reform in 2014
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Health Law Blog: OCR Launches Nationwide Review of CAH Language Access Policies
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Health Care Reform Blog: IRS Proposes Additional Minimum Value Rules
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Health Care Reform Blog: IRS Releases 2014 Out of Pocket Maximum Limits
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Health Care Reform Blog: CMS Publishes Insurance Exchange Guidance for Agents & Brokers
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Webinar - Employment Law Seminar - "Preparing for Health Care Reform in 2014: An Action Plan For Employers"
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Health Care Reform Blog: SBC Form Revised/New FAQs Released
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Health Care Reform Blog: SHOP Exchange Delay?
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Webinar: An Employer's Health Insurance Responsibilities in 2014- The Who, What & When
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Health Law Blog: OIG Releases Special Fraud Alert for Physician Owned Implant Distributorships
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Health Care Reform Blog: Waiting Period Regulations Published
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Susan Freed to present Health Care Reform webinar
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Health Care Reform: Additional ACA Guidance on Preventative Care Coverage Released
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Health Law: Hospice pays $50,000 for Failing to Conduct HIPAA Security Risk Assessment; Inadequate Security Policies
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Health Care Reform Blog: HHS Releases Proposed Rules on Contraceptive Coverage for Religious Organizations
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Health Care Reform Blog: Agencies Release Additional FAQs on Health Care Reform
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Health Law Blog: Final HIPAA Rules Released
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Health Care Reform Blog: Pay or Play Provisions of the Affordable Care Act
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Health Care Reform Blog - Iowa Chooses State-Federal Partnership Exchange
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Health Care Reform Blog: PCOR Fee Rules Finalized
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Health Care Reform Blog: HHS Releases Three New Reform Regulations
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Health Care Reform Blog: Status Quo for Health Care Reform
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Webinar - Health Law Seminar Year-in-Review
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Health Law Blog: New OIG Advisory Opinion Addresses Hospital On-Call Payments to Specialty Physicians
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Health Law Blog: CMS Issues Guidance to Surveyors on SNF End of Life Care Planning Requirements
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Health Law Blog: CMS Close to Settlement in Class Action Lawsuit Alleging Inappropriate Payment Standards for Skilled Nursing and Therapy Services
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Health Law Blog: Hospital Chain Pays $16.5 Million to Settle Fraud Charges Stemming From Appraiser's Whistleblower Suit
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Health Law Blog: Davis Brown Launches Blog for Health Care Providers
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32 Davis Brown Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America® 2013
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Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act
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IRS Issues Guidance on $2500 Health FSA Limit
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Proposed Rules Released Implementing New Fees on Health Plans
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Webinar - The Most Common Employee Benefit Mistakes Companies Make and How to Avoid Them
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Feds Seeking Public Comments on Religious Objections to Contraceptive Coverage
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DOL Issues FAQs For Summary of Benefits & Coverage
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CMS Announces 7 CO-OP Loans, Including 1 in Iowa
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Summary of Final SBC Rules
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Final SBC Rules Released
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Final Rules Released for Summary of Benefits & Coverage
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HHS Gives Non-Profit Employers with Religious Objections An Additional Year to Cover Birth Control
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HHS Provides Guidance on Essential Health Benefits Package
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Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Ending
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CO-OP Rules Finalized
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DOL Issues Guidance to Employers on Use of MLR Rebates
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SBC Requirements Likely to Be Postponed
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Webinar - Preparing for Accountable Care Organizations
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CLASS Act Suspended
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Update on MSP Reporting Requirements for HRAs
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CCIIO Releases Risk Adjustment White Paper
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CLASS Act Scrapped?
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Employee Benefits for the Non-HR Professional
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IRS Releases Safe Harbor Proposal for Employers
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HHS Seeks Comments on Religious Exemption to Contraceptive Coverage Requirement
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HRAs & Annual Limit Restrictions
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Good News for Employers
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Feds Issue Summary of Benefits and Material Modification Rules
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HHS & IRS Release Premium Assistance Rules
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CO-OP Program Update
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Affordable Care Act Changes Timing of Medicare Part D Notices
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Iowa External Review Changes
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New Preventative Care Services Added
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Welcome to the Davis Brown Health Care Reform Blog
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Susan J. Freed joins West Des Moines Leadership Academy
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New Regulations Define "Grandfathered Status"
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Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Unveiled
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Update on Tax Treatment of Adult Children in Group Health Plans
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Health Care Reform's Impact On Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements
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Health Care Reform Summary for Employers
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COBRA Subsidy Extended & Eligibility Expanded
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Frequently Asked Questions About COBRA
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Susan Freed Named ICS Champion of Chiropractic