“That’s my favorite part about this job, that I get to be creative and bring those solutions,” says Rising Star adviser Danielle Schweiger.

Ed Ligondé, one of our 20 Rising Stars of 2019, used his own medical condition as inspiration to learn about healthcare — and improve employee benefits education along the way.

EBA’s annual conference delved deep into hot benefit trends and technology.

EBA’s annual conference delved deep into hot benefit trends, broker strategies and technology.

There’s a big “gap in strategy — or the lack thereof,” says Curtis Cannon of Axis Recovery. “A lot of brokers have a bolt-on mindset.”

Employers should partner with advisers to help workers understand offerings and make them more engaged year-round.

The company had issues with inconsistent messaging and "way too many medical plans." A partnership with Hodges-Mace and on-site enrollment counselors helped turn things around.

Technology alone won’t drive business for brokers, but when used correctly, it can make a good addition.

Millennials and Gen Z want more from their employers than the basic medical coverage. Learn how to adapt benefits to their needs as they age.

No one knows what the future of healthcare will be, but these experts say it needs to be simpler.

From Kentucky cementing its decision to discontinue payroll deductions for voluntary benefits to tax challenges clients take on, is the voluntary market on the edge of an evolution?

Direct primary care may be employers’ and brokers’ next hottest offering as the model has the potential to revolutionize the relationship between patient and physician.

Workers are stressed but firms can have trouble knowing what wellness programs to offer.

Brokerages are struggling to retain workers and it may be time to take a hard look at hiring practices.

BHC Insurance’s James McMillan, one of this year's Rising Stars, embraces technology to explain benefits but says “the best form of explanation is always direct one on one contact.”

American Fidelity’s Michael Hart, one of this year’s Rising Stars, looks to provide service to take care of customers “when they had the worst day of their life.”

These young standout advisers see a changing workforce sparking new benefits for gig workers, student loan debt relief and better engagement tactics from employers. Ranging in age from 26 to 35, they represent the next generation ready to make their mark on an evolving industry.

Ed Ligondé discusses the direction he sees advisers going as they move away from the broker role toward a more consultative role with clients.

“I’m always looking at cutting down pharmacy costs,” says Rising Star Jessica McCool. “It’s becoming a bigger piece of the pie for benefit plans.”

Meredith Colbert, one of EBA’s 2019 Rising Stars in Advising, uses her own experience to bolster young advisers at her firm.