Healthcare

Commentary: The benefits community should pay close attention to this ERISA case and should be prepared to quickly adapt procedures according to the Supreme Court’s forthcoming ruling, which is expected by June 2016.

Employee education is critical to health care cost management, says United Benefit Advisors’ Les McPhearson, who addresses rising plan costs in the company’s annual health plan survey.

In a world where remote work and contract-based employment is becoming a well-accepted norm, employers are facing challenges integrating their benefits, payroll and HR systems to manage the diverse workforce.

Flu season is just around the corner and you’ve probably set up free flu shots for everyone in the office. But are you also offering financial wellness programs to shore up your employees’ immunity against financial stress?

Implementing top-tier plans poses unique obstacles for advisers and their employer clients.

Commentary: When gas prices rise at the pump, consumers change their driving habits. They ride more strategically, putting off unnecessary outings and carefully planning out trips. Yet when health care prices rise and Americans must dig deeper into their own pockets, they put their own health at risk instead of becoming savvier consumers. …

Commentary: Without building a better plan, continued participation will wane and the program as a whole will fall short of employer health initiatives, says adviser Tim Olson, who shares five steps that will lead employer clients to an improved plan.

Commentary: Whether the employee relations function is managed internally or through a third-party, a company representative should reach out to employees who are injured at work. Here’s why.

Developing strategies to help employees in the workplace with cancer is complex and multi-dimensional. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work, because every employer must base strategies on the company’s culture, workforce demographics and specific cancer incidence.

The benefits industry is awaiting several rulings from the Supreme Court of the United States expected in 2016 that could have far-reaching effects on the administration and cost of operating employee benefit plans.