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Even before the president’s proposed budget had been released, the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries blasted its restrictions on defined contribution plan accumulations and on the cost of purchasing an annuity equivalent to the top benefit allowed for defined benefit plans.

That “skin in the game,” HealthyWage officials say, is significantly more of a motivator than the traditional incentives that employers offer with weight-loss programs.

The Chamber of Commerce’s 7th annual capital markets summit in Washington, D.C., brought together leaders from the business community, the public policy sector and government to examine the state of financial regulatory reform and address challenges facing U.S. and global markets.

In recent years, voluntary benefits have risen from a nice-to-have for employees to something that is quickly becoming crucial. Doug Mantz looks back at the evolution of voluntary benefits through the lens of one long-time client.

“Why can’t we get useful data from our health plan?” benefit managers often bemoan. EBN guest blogger Linda K. Riddell writes that finding real answers to the most pressing health data questions lies in the words you use.

“I used to be caught up in the spin cycle of thinking that net worth automatically afforded me life worth,” says Gary Kunath, an entrepreneur, speaker, former CEO and author of “Life ... Don't Miss It. I Almost Did: How I Learned To Live Life To The Fullest.” However, Kunath adds, “At a certain point you realize that money doesn't make you rich, it just allows you to buy more stuff.” U.S. workers seem to have achieved a similar realization, as most employees prioritize satisfaction over salary and prize work-life balance. Kunath offers professionals five ways to achieve balance and improve their “life worth.” [Images: Shutterstock]

How to correct plan problems that surface after you get them in house.

Under a new congressional plan, employers would be able to bring in an additional 20,000 low-skilled laborers a year, a number that would gradually rise to 75,000.

Tuesday’s study found 13% of those ages 18 to 64 reported not taking their medications as prescribed to reduce costs compared with 5.8% of those 65 and older.

“Now is the time to buy before gender rating kicks in and before the best inflation option [5%, compounded for life] becomes unaffordable or goes away,” says one expert.