Bolton

If you think the price of your prescription drugs has increased, you’re not alone. While some of this can be attributed to inflation and other external factors, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are increasingly blamed. The criticism lies in the potential for PBMs to profit from the difference between what they charge plan sponsors and what they pay pharmacies and drug makers. The PBM profit model suggests they may not always act in the best interest of plan sponsors or consumers, as they’re incented to maximize the spread between these payments rather than pass on the full savings. PBMs were originally formed to help health insurers and self-funded health plans save money on prescription drugs and improve patient health through clinically based care management programs. However, as reported in The New York Times on June 21, 2024, “[PBMs] frequently do the opposite. Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/eDQ5R93J #bolton #labor #unions #pbm #prescriptiondrugs #healthcare #healthcarecosts

From its all-time high of 5,667 on July 16th, the S&P 500 declined 8.5% to 5,186 on August 5th. Market volatility measures rose, and high-profile stocks such as Microsoft and NVIDIA declined by more than the average. In addition, market observers have noted the unwinding of a “yen carry trade” following the Bank of Japan’s move to raise its interest rates on July 31st. The Japanese yen carry trade involves borrowing money in Japanese yen, and investing it in other currencies or assets, such as the US dollar. The strategy seeks to exploit the differential between Japan's and other countries' rates, but also exposes investors to significant exchange rate risk. The totality of this trade is estimated to be worth several hundred billion dollars, and its unwinding could have significant implications for short-term volatility across global markets. Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/eT7crh54 #bolton #marketvolatility #economicupdate #employeebenefit #investment

Health savings accounts (HSAs), health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) may provide tax-free reimbursements of certain over-the-counter (OTC) items. To be reimbursable, an OTC item must be for “medical care,” as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 213(d). Prior to 2020, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) generally prohibited health FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs from reimbursing the costs of OTC medicine or drugs on a tax-free basis, unless they were prescribed. However, effective Jan. 1, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) eliminated the ACA’s prescription requirement and allowed OTC drugs, along with menstrual care products, to be treated as qualified medical expenses that may be paid for using these tax-advantaged arrangements. Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/eatzYxxm #bolton #health #hsa #fsa #hra #otc #pharmacy #prescriptiondrugs #healthinsurance #employeebenefits

I’m thrilled to have joined the Bolton team at the MACo conference in Ocean City, Md! It was fantastic connecting with clients, colleagues, and industry experts. Being part of a team dedicated to helping clients enhance their employees' well-being is truly fulfilling! Excited to reunite at the 2025 conference!

MACo Summer 2024 and Bolton Partners what a match! Top Ten MACo 2024 Memories: 1. Spying our customized Bolton sunnies from a few MACo summers ago - great quality Bolton! 2. Kicking off a wonderful 4 days with a fun, energized Welcome Reception - thank you friends of Bolton! 3. Epic Ocean City 2024 sunrises and sunsets - perfect weather all week! 4. Introducing our newest colleague (with the brightest smile and smarts) to valued client partners - hugs all around! 5. Winter Wonderland - “we got that on lock”… Summertime in Maryland Snowballs with toppings all day long! 6. Making new friends and nurturing connections - stay tuned, we will be in touch! 7. Meeting Governor Wes Moore - wonderful way to wrap up a true Maryland event! 8. First time MACo - what a treat! Picking up the best swag from our MD County clients and friends! I’m a pro now… 9. Crab feast, great music, family fun, fellowship…oh my! 10. Work Hard, Play Hard - Priceless time with the best colleagues! Bolton Ashley Smith Maryland Association of Counties

Ohhhh, what a time we’re having at MACo Summer 2024! #BoltonPartners #WinterWonderland #SummerTimeConnections #SnowBallFun #WorkHardPlayHard Bolton Maryland Association of Counties

Sometimes it’s the little things…like just a “tad” more cushion on the Convention Floor! Come visit Bolton Partners at Booth 604/605… we are MACo Summer Conference 2024 ready! And cool off with Maryland inspired Snowballs (but promise…no “fighting!”) What’s your favorite flavor? Ashley Smith Tom Vicente William Anderson Stuart Sutley Eric Barger, Ph.D. David Johnson Jim Ritchie Mike Beczkowski, AIF®, CFPA®, CRPS® Bolton Maryland Association of Counties

MACo Summer Conference 2024. Can you feel the excitement building? The Bolton Partners team surely can…come visit us at Booth 604/605… we have a cool treat (literally and figuratively) for you! Here’s a behind the scenes look at our teamwork! See you Thursday, August 15th and Friday, August 16th at Booth 604/605! Bolton James Downing Geoffrey Adams William Anderson Tom Vicente Eric Barger, Ph.D. David Johnson Jim Ritchie Mike Beczkowski, AIF®, CFPA®, CRPS® Stuart Sutley Adriane Keepler Ashley Smith Maryland Association of Counties

I’m very excited to share that I’ve obtained my HR Generalist Certification from HRCertification.com! This course was both enlightening and rewarding, and I'm excited to see how this knowledge will advance my career!

We are thrilled to announce that Stuart Sutley has been selected to speak at the PSHRA 2024 Annual Conference! As the workforce demographics shift and more employees work past traditional retirement age, it is essential that employers address the needs of an aging workforce to ensure the continued success of their organizations. In his session, Stuart will discuss how embracing age diversity and taking proactive measures to support an aging workforce can help employers benefit from the wealth of experience and knowledge older employees bring to the table, while maintaining a productive and inclusive work environment for all staff members.