Benefits Think

Employers may now be responsible for additional costs related to terminated employees’ job searches. In yet another decision where members have split based on political party affiliation, the NLRB has tossed aside more than eight decades of consistency.

The industry’s best benefits professionals help us realize there’s more to the business than talking regulatory matters or embracing the latest technology; it’s about how to best serve employees.

Plan participants cash out retirement funds at alarming rates, and participants need to have services available to help them make good decisions at the time of a job change, says Retirement Clearinghouse’s Spencer Williams.

Once-risky options are now viable, thanks to the ACA, says BCI Group’s Director of Benefits Roberto Flores.

Variables often center on accessing liquidity, maintaining control and preserving a legacy, but there are many more factors to consider, says consultant Bob Coen.

Rate increases are higher than they appear, as low-cost plan options are disappearing, says adviser Craig Hasday.

Some options are better at reducing the expense of such services than others, say Universal Health Advisors John Mickner and Tim Cummings.

Is your plan keeping track of vested former participants who are owed money?

Don’t be the next company to pay $700,000 for an ambulance ride.

With CFOs interested in the healthcare bottom line, brokers must build a long-term design that works for employers’ bottom lines, says adviser Suzy Johnson.