Benefits Think

Commentary: Given the time and attention required by medical plans nowadays, it’s not uncommon for benefit professionals to allow LTD plans to stay the course, without critical review. But given the immense value of LTD benefits, now is a great time to ensure your plan is at its best for 2016.

Commentary: Today’s usage of the word healthcare is “care for the sick.” The only way we are going to solve our cost crisis is to change its meaning, says adviser Craig Hasday.

Commentary: Once considered a tool primarily for employee motivation – think the team lunch or years-of-service awards – recognition has shifted to become a far more sophisticated tool for leading companies around the world.

In their benefit plans for 2016, employers are, in general, continuing along the path that they’ve been traveling for the past 10-15 years: Their overarching goal is to offset escalating healthcare costs, while continuing to sponsor quality programs for employees.

Commentary: We’ve all heard the discussion of transparency. Imagine if you could type in a condition, even multiple conditions, and up pops the physicians who have the greatest success and do it at the lowest cost.

Commentary: New ACA regulations, increasing employer demands and shorter workweeks due to holiday schedules make for difficult work. But the broker who rallies rather than wanes in this environment will be set apart.

Commentary: From professionally managed accounts to online investment advice and more, here's a look at where progressive plan sponsors will take their 401(k) plans in 2016.

Commentary: Although steps are being made by the healthcare community to improve the coordination and efficiency of healthcare delivery, true healthcare value will be achieved only when combined with effective health promotion that creates better health.

Commentary: As most salespeople know, moving forward is tough, but changing behavior can help knock down obstacles. Here are eight ideas to get the wheels moving in the right direction.

Commentary: For employees who are also caregivers, there’s often not enough hours in the day to do good work and good caregiving. Being an employee/caregiver comes at a price for both businesses and employees.