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Road to Workplace Benefits Mania: Ahead of the July conference, speaker Rick Cavanaugh outlines the highlights of a legal insurance plan for benefit brokers to consider.

Most workers know that they have rights that entitle them to be free of illegal discrimination and from retaliation for reporting concerns of illegal discrimination in the workplace. However, many workers do not realize that they have rights to be free from discrimination even prior to being hired.

There are few smiles as the ACA’s effect on dental coverage begins to be better understood. Coupling dental benefits with health care coverage may have unintended consequences — and complicate access for employees.

While many brokers consider leaving the industry in response to the changing health care environment, most agree that reform has created a huge opportunity for advisers willing to adapt.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Thursday announcement that consumers already enrolled in marketplace plans in 2014 can auto-enroll for 2015 is largely positive for brokers, though the decision is symbolically unsettling to some.

Benefit and HR managers likely have more than their fair share of interactions with difficult employees. Geoffrey James, author of Business Without the Bullsh*t (Business Plus, 2014) shares 10 of the most difficult types of employees, along with suggestions for dealing with them.

Benefit broker and former lawyer David C. Smith breaks down this question that has been somewhat controversial in the past few months, yet he says has a very clear answer.

Over the last year, “skinny plans” have gained some acceptance among employers under the employer shared responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act. And while a skinny plan might be limited to preventative services only, the skinny plans appearing in the marketplace generally include a handful of other features.

The National Business Group on Health this week recognized 63 U.S. employers for their continued efforts in promoting healthy work environments and encouraging employee wellness.

An abundance of veterans in the U.S. - and the litany of disabilities experienced by so many of them - makes it especially important to work to utilize their skills and experiences.