Benefits Think

When it comes to motivation, employers need to realize it isn’t all about money. Workers want to feel like they have a purpose, says Steffen Maier.

Minimize the risk of bringing in a producer who has misappropriated trade secrets by asking proactive questions, says lawyer John Birmingham Jr.

Expanding clinical consultations, utilizing available data and studying drug effectiveness are top avenues to plan improvement.

Some bonus plans provide for accumulations, multi-year periods and mandatory referral, which could raise a red flag for regulators, says attorney Michael Melbinger.

Employers should consider a number of factors when weighing the advantages of going this route.

Be cautious with these arrangements, says adviser Craig Hasday, as they can negatively influence overall cost of care and be subject to abuse.

Plan sponsors need to improve employees' well-being by actively encouraging roll-ins.

Benefit pros need to think beyond the printed benefit guidebook and consider online access to summaries, on-demand webinars and social media.

Retirement plan sponsors need to focus on both risk mitigation and risk transfer now that the IRS has terminated its determination letter program at the beginning of the year.

With the continued emphasis on wellness, employers and health plans both must educate workers on online security and the dangers of identity theft.