Benefits Think

Brokers may need to be concerned about how a proposed change by the NAIC to the current stop-loss model could essentially trap their clients and remove their options for affordable care – effectively forcing them into state exchanges and eliminating the role of the broker, writes EBA Blogger Sam Fleet.

After reading research from the Investment Company Institute concluding that defined contribution plans don't "reduce retirement preparedness," EBN Editor Kelley Butler channeled a "Saturday Night Live" skit to offer her perspective.

If one of your resolutions for the new year is to increase the attention and/or investment in a tuition assistance program, guest blogger Kyle Lagunas offers 4 keys to get you going in the right direction.

United Benefit Advisors recently released the results of its 2012 Health Plan Survey. Since it’s the largest and most comprehensive health plan benchmarking survey in the industry, the results are always interesting, says the company's CEO.

Guest blogger Linda K. Riddell shows how an eye for detail and some simple calculations could prove to be a life-saver for employees that are overusing/abusing narcotic painkillers.

Brokers all talk with their clients about the fact that “engaged” employees are more “productive," says EBA Blogger Beverly Bettie. However, when, if ever are they put under the same looking glass? Internal and external resources in our own organizations impact our ability to be productive, to achieve results, and financial success.

Every year someone calls guest blogger Jim Moniz the Grinch because he’s the guy who points out the ineffectiveness of the holiday bonus. But, he says, employee benefits advisers, brokers and consultants need to recognize there exists more creative vehicles that can serve as incentive programs to drive and maintain growth as well as recruit and retain key talent/

After reading research from the Investment Company Institute concluding that defined contribution plans don't "reduce retirement preparedness," Editor-in-Chief Kelley Butler channeled a "Saturday Night Live" skit to offer her perspective.

In conjunction with this month’s EBN cover story, “Buyer beware,” which examines consumer readiness for purchasing their own health care coverage via public and private exchanges, Dr. Raymond Fabius, chief medical officer at Truven Health Analytics, penned this guest blog post questioning the wisdom of shifting to the exchange-only model.

A recent Health Affairs study that concludes the 10 modifiable health risks only connect to about 20% of health care spending. Thus, says guest blogger Linda K. Riddell, a realistic benefits manager should acknowledge that the most successful wellness program may only have a limited impact.