Benefits Think

Here at EBN, deadlines are sacrosanct; so should it be for retirement plan sponsors. Click here for a 2009 list of ERISA compliance dates/deadlines. As experts predict ERISA lawsuits to rise this year, make sure you cross every T and dot every I.

Granted, this is more like "News You Likely Already Knew," but new research from The Commonwealth Fund reveals that COBRA is so expensive that just 9% of eligible workers opts for COBRA coverage after losing insurance due to a layoff or other termination.

With virtually all businesses facing significant challenges, it is even more important for employers to keep employees engaged, focused and productive. A new book released by Towers Perrin, "Closing the Engagement Gap - How Great Companies Unlock Employee Potential for Superior Results," highlights the...

As the economic distress lingers, Towers Perrin finds most employees are ready to sacrifice career advancement for the simple security of a regular paycheck.

A January EBN report details states teaming up in partnership plans for long-term insurance policies. Think of it like Batman and Spiderman working together -- only to fight LTC costs. Still unclear? Click here to read the report.

A PBM audit could uncover mistakes like incorrectly applied network discounts, mail-order discounts, specialty discounts, rebate payments, administrative fees and other program fees.Other potential findings include incorrect application of member or drug coverage eligibility rules, cost-sharing rules,...

New for '09, EBN is looking for new columnists to write on a variety of benefits topics, like health and wellness plans, retirement benefits, work-life benefits, HR/benefits strategy, training, career development and more. E-mail me at kelley.butler@sourcemedia.com if you, a colleague or client is interested...

Hopefully in time for HR professionals to negotiate their annual bonuses and pay increases, Watson Wyatt Data Services recently released the "2008/2009 Survey Report on Human Resources Personnel Compensation," now in its 14th edition.

A new report in Workforce Management sketches out the Dec. 11, 2008, arrest of Bernard Madoff, a Wall Street trader and former Nasdaq chair, who allegedly ran a $50 billion Ponzi scheme.

The January EBN features the report, "Critical care," with the most common questions about critical illness insurance answered by folks who know way more than us. Everything from "What is critical illness insurance?" to "What should be on employers' checklist when shopping for a group critical illness...