Healthcare

MyRA, the Obama administration's free, guaranteed-return starter retirement account, launched nationwide on Wednesday.

Commentary: Employers can reduce turmoil by taking a phased approach to Cadillac tax avoidance.

The minimum wage battle took center stage Tuesday night in Oregon, as voters in the city of Portland rejected a proposal to dramatically increase minimum wage in the city. But the pressure is likely to continue as workers’ rights groups and some politicians continue to push for higher minimum wages across the country.

A new hotline for agents and brokers will not be able to answer specific questions from agents about their clients, disappointing broker organizations, which expected a hotline similar to what navigators have.

Commentary: It may ultimately be a greater risk to remain fully insured and continue treating annual health care spend as an expense rather than an investment.

To date, adoption of private benefit exchanges by employers has been modest, but Holley Maher, partner at St. Louis-area brokerage MRCT, sees them as a highly relevant solution. And, despite issues Healthcare.gov has caused for brokers and consumers alike, the site is changing the health care landscape, says Maher, whose company operates its Smart Benefits Marketplace using bswift technology.

As private exchanges continue to evolve, industry insiders say the integration of accountable care organizations could be the ‘next big thing' in the exchange world; one that could be a big win for employers.

Commentary: If plan fees are a potential liability, the logic is sound that the least amount of fees paid reduces that liability. But, EBA retirement columnist John Ludwig asks, does it really?

Aimee DeCamillo, head of T. Rowe Price’s retirement plan services unit, discusses the firm’s target-date fund glide path philosophy, the prevalence of managed accounts and the importance of digital experiences in boosting employee engagement in 401(k) plans.

Amazon.com Inc. will give new fathers paid parental leave and extend paid maternity leave for mothers, as the online retailer seeks to enhance its benefits as a way to attract and retain talent.