EBN’s top 10 blogs of the year
December 20, 2018 1:49 AM
For employers, the importance of industry insight is key to implementing strategic benefit offerings and helping to remain compliant with current regulatory policy. Employee Benefit News published a number of pieces on topics that were top of mind for employers this year, from the latest on how employers are curbing healthcare costs to retirement readiness strategies.
The following blogs are among the most read and hold important information for employers to revisit going into the New Year.
The following blogs are among the most read and hold important information for employers to revisit going into the New Year.
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
10. How millennials are disrupting healthcare — and how to change benefits because of it
This is a workforce unlike any other in history, and to attract and retain the best workers now and in the future, companies must modify their approach to employee benefits.
Author: OurHealth’s Hannah Walker
Excerpt: “Along with making it easier to visit the doctor, ensure the right health and wellness information, including benefits and enrollment information, is easily accessible.”
Author: OurHealth’s Hannah Walker
Excerpt: “Along with making it easier to visit the doctor, ensure the right health and wellness information, including benefits and enrollment information, is easily accessible.”
Xaume Olleros/Bloomberg
9. 5 strategies to cut healthcare costs without cutting benefits
It takes knowledge and planning, but there are ways to keep health insurance costs from derailing company profits while still offering employees the benefits they need.
Author: The Beacon Group’s Anthony D. Cellucci, Jr.
Excerpt: “Health and wellness programs have become popular ways for employers to manage healthcare costs — and some companies are finding that employees are more engaged in these programs when they’re offered incentives, rewards or even disincentives for participating or attaining certain health-related goals.”
Author: The Beacon Group’s Anthony D. Cellucci, Jr.
Excerpt: “Health and wellness programs have become popular ways for employers to manage healthcare costs — and some companies are finding that employees are more engaged in these programs when they’re offered incentives, rewards or even disincentives for participating or attaining certain health-related goals.”
8. 8 tough questions to ask your 401(k) investment adviser
Author: Lawton Retirement Plan Consultants’ Robert Lawton
Excerpt: “Retirement plan sponsors should work with investment advisers who have some sort of retirement plan-related credentials (AIF, CRPS, QPFC or CPC). Nearly all credentialing programs I am aware of have a professional experience requirement as well, so you can be assured that if you hire credentialed individuals, they will have met a minimum experience requirement.”
7. Reference-based pricing is gaining momentum — here’s why
Author: Corporate Synergies’ John Kern
Excerpt: Reference-based pricing attacks the problem from all angles and targets billing — which is at the heart of the crisis.”
6. Stop making 401(k) contributions. Fill up your HSA first
Employers, here’s why you should tell employees contributing to a triple-tax-free health savings account is more valuable and versatile than boosting a retirement plan.
Author: Lawton Retirement Plan Consultants’ Robert Lawton
Excerpt: “HSA accounts are a tax-efficient way of paying for healthcare expenses in retirement, especially if the alternative is taking a taxable 401(k) or IRA distribution.”
Author: Lawton Retirement Plan Consultants’ Robert Lawton
Excerpt: “HSA accounts are a tax-efficient way of paying for healthcare expenses in retirement, especially if the alternative is taking a taxable 401(k) or IRA distribution.”
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5. Reference-based pricing: Is it right for you?
Employers should consider a number of major factors, including stop-loss coverage and reimbursement models, before making the move.
Author: Corporate Synergies’ Robert Townsend
Excerpt: “Reference-based pricing means there are no networks to deal with, which is appealing to employees who prefer to get care from certain providers. Therefore, it provides more care options.”
Author: Corporate Synergies’ Robert Townsend
Excerpt: “Reference-based pricing means there are no networks to deal with, which is appealing to employees who prefer to get care from certain providers. Therefore, it provides more care options.”
4. How HSA savings can be used for long-term care in retirement
Employers should outline to employees how HSAs can be a key financial planning tool for a more secure future.
Author: Ascensus’ Steve Christenson
Excerpt: “One concern many of us will have during retirement is long-term care. HSA assets can be used for qualified long-term care insurance premiums and qualified long-term care services.”
Author: Ascensus’ Steve Christenson
Excerpt: “One concern many of us will have during retirement is long-term care. HSA assets can be used for qualified long-term care insurance premiums and qualified long-term care services.”
3. 9 myths about Section 125 plans
Many employers wrongly believe they don’t need a plan document in place and think that health insurers are experts on regulations.
Author: CBIZ’s Zack Pace
Excerpt: “Employers are not required to include all permissible events in the plan document. Now is a good time to double-check if your plan excludes any of these and if there continues to be a solid rationale for doing so.”
Author: CBIZ’s Zack Pace
Excerpt: “Employers are not required to include all permissible events in the plan document. Now is a good time to double-check if your plan excludes any of these and if there continues to be a solid rationale for doing so.”
2. Beware the employer-paid COBRA continuance bear trap
A general misunderstanding is that in the Affordable Care Act era , anyone can purchase an individual health policy at any time on a guaranteed issue basis.
Author: CBIZ’s Zack Pace
Excerpt: “Ask for recommendations on mapping out a new policy regarding severance agreements. These recommendations might include shifting dollars from COBRA subsidization to cash compensation.”
Author: CBIZ’s Zack Pace
Excerpt: “Ask for recommendations on mapping out a new policy regarding severance agreements. These recommendations might include shifting dollars from COBRA subsidization to cash compensation.”
1. What to know about the first reference-based pricing lawsuit
Hailed as a more rational way for employers to pay for healthcare, the case highlights strategic risks.
Author: BerniePortal’s Alex Tolbert
Excerpt: “The thinking is that that no hospital wants to take on the public relations battle that could result from suing or bankrupting a former patient over a balance bill.”
Author: BerniePortal’s Alex Tolbert
Excerpt: “The thinking is that that no hospital wants to take on the public relations battle that could result from suing or bankrupting a former patient over a balance bill.”
