Healthcare

Combining voluntary and permanent life to help employees.

ERISA 408(b)(2) fee disclosures may lead to less options, service

Employer matches aren't as strong of an inducement to get employees into the 401(k) plan as one might think, says Brigitte Madrian, a behavioral economist and professor of public policy and corporate management at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

Despite PPACA regulations, it’s no free ride on women’s preventive services.

Consultants, industry groups question the transparency in PBM practices.

Retirement readiness is just not a buzz word for EBA’s Retirement Adviser of the Year.

Nelson Griswold on how brokers can survive the PPACA health reform tsunami.

John Lamb shares how health care can be fixed by using an IT mindset.

Fred Barstein on how new advisers are critical to growth of DC market.

As CEO of United Benefit Advisors, I hear continually about the issues facing our 36,000 employer clients. Managing prescription drug costs continues to be paramount. The UBA 2012 Health Plan Survey shows that 64.2% of prescription drug plans utilize three co-pay tiers (generic, formulary brand, and non-formulary brand); 2.9% have a one-tier plan, 8.2% retain a two-tier plan; and 24.7% add a fourth tier (specialty). Consultants should watch these plan structures carefully as many brand-name drugs go off their patents and pricing is determined for the influx of generic drugs. On the other end of the spectrum, we're watching increases in specialty drugs, which are driving up costs significantly.