One of the many consequences of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010) (together, the "Act") is that group health plans and health insurers have new internal claims review requirements, and also are now required to have an external review process.  

As summer draws to a close, it is time to think about fall and what it brings: back to school shopping, fantasy football drafts, leaves to rake, and health care reform! Now is the time of year for benefits professionals to take a look ahead and prepare for the latest legal developments, in health care as well as in other areas. Some of the issues you may need to address before the end of 2010 include Health Care Reform, Cafeteria Plan Amendments, 409A Plan Document Compliance, Dodd-Frank Financial Reform, Determination Letter Filings, Qualified Retirement Plan Amendments, Plan Fees, and HITECH Act Compliance, and Regular Annual Notices.