Wellness

In response, advisers point to gains in employee well-being and productivity, says Geoff Duncan.

Plan sponsors look to implement health and pharmacy benefit programs that address painkiller addiction and abuse.

The common rationales for separating them into silos are no longer applicable, according to Eric Helman of Hodges-Mace.

Challenges include finding and vetting vendors with programs that can help and navigating regulatory and tax questions, says Willis Towers Watson’s Randall Abbott.

Employees lack tools, and education, leaving them poorly equipped to manage high-deductible plans, says Alegeus executive John Park.

Despite increasing concern over cancer costs and care, there are gaps in employee coverage and support, finds new research from the Northeast Business Group on Health.

The three most common rationales for keeping them separate are all wrong, says benefit services expert Eric Helman

Providers are offering narrow networks and a greater variety of plans, giving employees more choice, according to PwC’s Barbara Gniewek.

Workers lack tools and education, leaving them poorly equipped to manage high deductibles and multiple plan choices, says Alegeus executive.

Paid parental leave programs appear to be gaining traction, with companies such as Netflix, Nestlé and the city of Boston embracing the benefits. Here are the top states for working mothers, based on research from WalletHub.