David Albertson

The increased accounts and balances were expected in a recent EBRI/MGA survey, but other analysts’ predictions are being confounded. For example, no real correlation was found between account balance and healthy behaviors.

Many employers already deploy surveys to monitor employee engagement within an organization, but there remains an important opportunity for advisers to help clients understand the role benefits play in that engagement.

Helping employees get what they want also helps senior managers get what they want.

Editorial Director David Albertson welcomes benefits professionals to the 2012 Benefits Forum & Expo.

A full 42% of employee benefit managers hope the Supreme Court will this month rule that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional, according to research conducted by Employee Benefit News.

Employee financial education can in fact improve employee engagement with retirement benefits and help them do a better job preparing for the future.

As I write this, the entire Benefits Group staff is just returning from the 6th Annual Employee Benefit Adviser Summit, co-located with our 24th Annual Benefits Forum and Expo. In Dallas this year, we had a gratifying turnout of nearly 1,000 benefit industry professionals from all parts of the industry, with Summit attendance boosted by participants staying over from the United Benefit Advisors conference - a most welcome addition to the educational sessions and to our industry networking opportunities.

One of the most famous Yogi Berra-isms is: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it."

Government and industry experts say recent guidance from the federal government will hasten development of state purchasing exchanges, which will in turn affect employers’ long-range benefit sponsorship decisions.

State officials developing health insurance purchasing exchanges have voiced growing appreciation for the roles that can be played by benefit advisers.

A newly formed employer-led organization will help public and private organizations maximize their return on investment in onsite clinics, pharmacies and fitness and wellness centers.

Budget negotiators tabled a rider to eliminate PPACA’s medical loss ratio restrictions as part of the deal cut Friday to avoid a government shutdown.