Wellness

In a major 5-4 ruling on religious freedom, the Supreme Court of the United States Monday ruled that religious rights of two Christian company owners trumped the rights of its employees to receive full contraceptive coverage promised by mandates in the Affordable Care Act.

“The majority of Americans, including many small business owners, are still confused about the health reform legislation,” according to Health Partners America, a broker training and education organization. Here are 10 FAQs about the Affordable Care Act and its implications for small businesses.

While many brokers consider leaving the industry in response to the changing health care environment, most agree that reform has created a huge opportunity for advisers willing to adapt.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Thursday announcement that consumers already enrolled in marketplace plans in 2014 can auto-enroll for 2015 is largely positive for brokers, though the decision is symbolically unsettling to some.

Benefit broker and former lawyer David C. Smith breaks down this question that has been somewhat controversial in the past few months, yet he says has a very clear answer.

The National Business Group on Health this week recognized 63 U.S. employers for their continued efforts in promoting healthy work environments and encouraging employee wellness.

Although some employers are considering and even implementing a private exchange option for their employees, many remain skeptical of the immaturity of the marketplace and employee readiness.

Wondering if your wellness program is delivering the goods or just delivering good profits to your vendor? Intel and GE’s joint venture Validation Institute will tell you. Think of it as a new sheriff in the wild west of wellness ROI, armed with science and a calculator.

Either way, benefit firms are consolidating and it’s important for brokers and advisers to evaluate their options and find the right fit for their agency.

In a final rule published today, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services say employers can require employee orientation periods to become eligible for health benefits, but say they cannot last longer than one month.