Times up for mini-med plans as skinny plans gain focus
With the major elements of the Affordable Care Act taking effect this year, mini-med plans have met their demise, but skinny plans are gaining traction in their place.
Melissa A. Winn
Senior Editor
Half of benefit advisers considering leaving the industry
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.
Employers identify barriers to private exchange adoption
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.
Feds clarify employee orientation periods under the ACA
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.
Where do e-cigarettes fit into an ACA-compliant wellness program?
The ACA has increased incentives for employees to quit smoking, but employers are wondering where e-cigarettes fit into the equation.
Advisers poised to address consumer concerns with ACA premium hikes
Early health plan rate filings for 2015 signal premium rate hikes that could force individuals to consider switching plans. Confused consumers will be looking for help from benefit brokers and agents well-versed in plan options.
Why the ACA has opened a sales door for vision insurance
How the ACA has drawn attention to vision care coverage and prompted employers to ask advisers about this voluntary benefit.
Benefits Think Employer interest has spiked in adviser help with 403(b)s
Commentary: Blogger Aaron Friedman reports good news for benefit advisers interested in working with employers on 403(b)s
Close the gap in employee and employer benefit enrollment satisfaction
Advisers can help employers boost employee benefit enrollment with better employee education and communication.
Helping employers understand Rx specialty drugs on and off the exchanges
The accessibility of specialty prescription drugs may be as elusive on the Affordable Care Acts health care exchanges as it typically has been off of the exchanges, and trusted advisers need to be able to navigate both discussions with clients.
Advisers at odds with AHIPs newly proposed cost level on ACA exchanges
Insurance carriers are proposing a series of solutions to make the ACA exchanges more consumer-friendly, but not all brokers and agents agree with the ideas.
New ACA delay limits employee choice on SHOP exchange
CMS has granted 18 states a delay in enacting employee choice on the SHOP exchange, which some advisers feel is the only incentive for employers to enroll on the exchange at all.
Employers want you to sell them financial wellness solutions they just dont know it yet
Employees living paycheck to paycheck need solutions from their employers to meet financial emergencies, yet most employers arent aware financial wellness programs and lending solutions exist or that theyre credible.
Advisers question ACA income calculation in light of slew of discrepancies
Millions of ACA application inconsistencies come as no surprise to benefit advisers and could trigger an influx of business to brokers from confused 2015 ACA enrollees.
How leveling retirement plan fees can help your clients employees save more
Although most employers review retirement plan costs annually, many are not assessing fees evenly across all asset classes and thats where benefit advisers come in.
Boost your clients employee retirement engagement
Advisers are key to crafting retirement plan communications and educational materials that their employer clients can use to increase plan participation.
Online SHOP enrollment expected to be operational this year
Online enrollment for the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) on the federal exchanges will be operational later this year, according to a spokeswoman at the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Online SHOP enrollment expected to be operational for advisers this year
CMS says benefit brokers and advisers are expected to be able to enroll their small business clients on the federal SHOP exchange online by sometime later this year.
Adviser training for 2015 SHOP enrollment to begin in July
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced training and registration dates, along with requirements, for benefit advisers and brokers who want to enroll small business employers on the federally facilitated SHOP exchange.
Can advisers survive a demise of small group health insurance plans?
Benefit insiders predict a steep decline in small business group health insurance sales in the coming years, which could prove harmful for many independent brokers and agents.