Practice management

Commentary: Many employers don't know what their PBMs are doing today to actually manage their specialty drug programs, says Lockton's Sarah Martin. It's up to advisers to shine a light on PBM practices.

The Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act would provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year to qualifying workers for the birth or adoption of a child, the serious illness of an immediate family member or a worker’s own medical condition.

The use of technology is not just novel in the benefits industry anymore, it’s imperative. Benefit adviser Steve Williams predicted its usefulness over a decade ago and he and his team have used technology solutions to help transform Heffernan Insurance into one of the largest independent brokerage firms.

Financial services programs are topping the list of non-insurance offerings from employers, who recognize the impact such stress can have on productivity.

Commentary: After a terrific phone conversation, a prospect hangs up before booking an appointment. Consider sending a handwritten note to thank them for hanging up on you, and you just may close the sale, says adviser Eric Silverman.

Drafting a strategic plan is the first step to combat soaring health care expenses impacting employees and employers, many of whom are turning to wellness programs and private exchanges to control costs.

Multinational organizations want to centrally administer their benefits, however, companies are struggling with employee engagement and communication, new research finds.

The majority of growth in private exchanges into 2017 will be in the 100-999 employee segment, as companies seek to make defensive plays ahead of the Cadillac tax.

Although President Obama signed the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act this week, many employers the legislation is intended to protect remain in limbo.

When addressing group disability coverage, brokers should speak of real-life situations to convey the importance of such plans.