Advisor strategies

Commentary: Chances of the industry ever being the way it was prior to the ACA are nonexistent, which we should all hail as a good thing, says columnist Wendy Keneipp following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold ACA subsidies.

A group of industry players connected to private exchanges launched a coalition Wednesday to serve as a forum to share ideas and best practices, and to increase awareness of private exchanges.

Commentary: By expanding our thinking and embracing technology, we have the opportunity to improve our efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the client experience. What are you going to implement in this brave new world, asks EBA Advisory Board member Andy Torelli.

Brokers and agents welcome legislation introduced Tuesday to the Senate that would enhance broker access to information about marketplace enrollment, leveling the playing field with navigators and assisters.

Commentary: Many salespeople who “do everything right” underperform. With so much focus on personal qualities and skills, the sales process doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

Commentary: Billions of dollars in federal subsidies are on the line in the Supreme Court’s highly anticipated King v. Burwell decision expected any day now. What does that mean for the benefits industry?

Emerging technology platforms, an aging workforce and a turbulent regulatory environment in the employee benefits field can either be perceived as problems or opportunities. Considering I sold everything that I had to start my own practice, I opt for the latter. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “An aging population and changes in federal regulation may increase demand for agents who sell health and long-term care insurance.” It has been widely talked about that nearly…

Commentary: Many brokerages fear technology is going to replace them, so they hold on tighter and refuse to budge, says columnist Wendy Keneipp.

The public has until July 21 to submit comments on the proposal that would expand the fiduciary standard to thousands of brokers and advisers who provide retirement investment advice.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants was a long time user of Liazon’s private exchange software, but this week launched its own exchange, developed in partnership with Hodges-Mace. Chris Duncan, EPIC’s chief growth officer, discusses the move and why exchanges may not be for everyone.

Benefit advisers in several states have received new fee arrangements from Aetna that eliminate commissions on small-group business, causing an uproar among brokers, many of whom question the legality of such a practice.

HR departments lack a clear understanding of fees and commissions attached to private exchanges, with many early exchange adopters uncovering fees once they start using the model.

Aiming to simplify a process akin to “herding cats,” with no unity or way to compare offerings, exchange helps plan sponsors with their fiduciary responsibility.

Upfront information, auto features and tailoring communication and education specific to younger employees can help boost participation.

Many employees are unaware of the causes of disability leave and about gaps in their coverage, and a DI advocate inside the firm can help educate individuals about these common misconceptions.

HHS Secretary Burwell says a Supreme Court ruling upholding the legality of subsidies on the federal exchange should shift the conversation about the ACA away from politics and toward improving access to affordable quality health care.

Generalists and small-market plan sponsors are likely to be the most negatively affected, according to a retirement conference panel.

Retirement relates to all other parts of the financial pie, and that’s the conversation advisers should be having with clients.

More brokers are inquiring about the product these days, and industry experts anticipate recent growth to continue as awareness spreads.

Commentary: This practice may be eliminating opportunities for investors to purchase products which could greatly improve the emotional and financial well-being of the client in their retirement.