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Benefits Think New retirement plan delivered on a silver platter?

Here’s a scenario for you: a group health and wellness client you’ve represented for over ten years approaches you to be his/her adviser on a 401(k) plan. Congrats! You’ve worked hard to position yourself as a valued adviser. No doubt you’d like to reap the fruits of your labor. But your next action is extremely important. It may have not only ethical consequences, but legal ones as well. It is vital that you go forward with a

October 6
Benefits Think Studies indicate differing perspectives on voluntary benefits

According to recent studies employee and employer perspectives on voluntary benefits vary greatly. Read in today's BeAdvised about one possible explanation for the discrepancy.

October 4
Benefits Think Put your benefits communications on a diet

Weight management is a popular wellness trend as the country deals with the health implications of obesity in our society. Similarly, benefits communications have become more and more bloated. Brokers need to help their clients communicate their benefits suite properly.

October 3
Benefits Think Customary vs. metric units

Just to recap, in my previous post I argued that as benefits advisers we need to change the conversation with our clients. I used the example of my client who asked me to present at a sales seminar on solution-based (vs. product-based) selling. I also said I would share some thoughts on how to effectively move our role as advisers forward. If you don’t remember or need to remind yourself, please go here.

September 29
Benefits Think Ask the expert about alternative funding strategies

QUESTION: With all of the buzz surrounding alternative funding these days, can you please provide a couple of strategies that can assist clients in better controlling health care costs? ANSWER: The bottom line is that it is time for brokers to understand that the new reality means a smaller market and less commission for their fully insured groups.

September 27
Benefits Think Health care reform is a reality: Now what?

PPACA has been law for 15 plus months and many brokers and advisers consultants are still in denial. Many are acting like nothing has changed. Not for their clients. And not for their businesses either. This is no time to play the ostrich game. It’s survival of the fittest and most adaptable. Our world of benefits has changed and the landscape will continue to evolve. It’s time for a reality check. Change is never easy,

September 26
Benefits Think Follow the EBA Summit live from Texas

Follow EBA staff on Twitter and Facebook from our annual summit in Dallas and be sure to check our inBrief for stories from the exciting event.

September 23
Benefits Think A vendor or a strategic partner?

In today's BeAdvised, Andy Torelli talks about how he treats his strategic partners. Is it a good idea to view them as partners or providers?

September 22
Benefits Think How do clients assign advisers value?

One of Mark Lacher's clients introduced him as "the firm that does all our insurance and a million other things for us." Is that how clients see your relationship too? Read in today's BeAdvised as Lacher shares three inter-related areas that he believes has to become the units of measurement going forward.

September 20
Benefits Think What does responsibility in health care look like?

With knowledge comes responsibility and when we ask for transparency that's exactly what we get ... more responsibility. In health care being reponsible means two things, read about those in today's BeAdvised.

September 19