Insights

On May 15, 2025, the Oregon DOI issued Bulletin No. DFR 2025-4 regarding health benefit plan coverage of gender-affirming treatment under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 743A.325 and Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 836-053-0441. The bulletin provides supplemental guidance for health benefit plans regarding coverage of gender-affirming treatment, including WPATH-8 as a minimum standard for coverage, network adequacy, and “detransition services,” where clinical treatments are intended to reverse t

On May 2, 2025, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed HB 1923. Under existing law, group and individual health insurance that covers services that legally could be performed by a certified nurse midwife cannot deny reimbursement when those services are performed by such a provider. The new legislation expands the requirement, prohibiting denials of reimbursement for otherwise-covered services furnished by a licensed, certified midwife or a licensed midwife acting within the scope of their license or certi

In April and May 2025, Gov. Ferguson signed the following healthcare bills into law: HB 1669: Concerning coverage requirements for prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces. The legislation states that a health plan offered in the large group or small group market that is issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must include coverage for one or more prostheses per limb and custom orthotic braces per limb when medically necessary unless exceptions apply. Coverage under this mandate also

Lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs) are reimbursement accounts in which employers deposit a set amount of money for employees to spend on certain benefits that are determined by the employer. These accounts generally allow for the reimbursement of various wellness activities such as fitness classes, gym memberships, nutritional coaching, and workout equipment, or other items or activities that will promote health and wellness amongst their employees. Some employers even include other non-wellnes

Becoming bonded is a very important first step for most business owners because it's a feature of your business that makes you appealing to potential customers, and gives them a good reason to choose you over a competitor. The fact that your entity is bonded gives clients a certain amount of confidence that you will live up to the terms of the bond and therefore represents an assurance of reliability. Another driver that forces you to think about how to become bonded is the fact that the licens

A mechanics lien bond definition should begin by identifying the parties involved in the lien bond: the contractor, a property owner and a surety company. A contractor is the first party in this contractual agreement, and while they could purchase a lien bond, it is more likely that the property owner would purchase the bond, so it can be used to release the property from the contractor's lien. The surety company is generally an insurance company that sells the mechanics lien bond to the princi

New York auto dealers are required to meet updated bonding and licensing standards. Current regulations set New York auto dealer bond amount at $100,000, an increase from the previous $75,000 requirement. While this sounds significant, it doesn’t automatically mean your bond premium will rise. Premiums depend on factors like credit history, and applicants with strong credit typically pay between 1% and 3% of the bond amount.  How New York Auto Dealer Bond Work New York auto dealer surety b

Regulatory changes and exclusionary language in general liability or property policies means those who count on these policies to cover a cyber event may find themselves in for a costly surprise.

An obligor is the party legally bound to fulfill an obligation under a contract or agreement. In the context of surety bonds, the obligor is typically the principal — the individual or business that must comply with specific terms, such as adhering to state regulations or completing contractual duties. If the obligor fails to meet these obligations, the obligee (the entity requiring the bond) can file a claim, and the surety company will cover valid claims, with the obligor ultimately responsib