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When it comes to selecting a doctor or hospital, patients would rather consult friends and family rather than online quality rankings, research finds. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, less than 15% of Americans rely on quality data to make decisions about health care services.

A Hewitt Associates analysis of 2.7 million U.S. employees reveals that the average 401(k) plan balance has dropped 14% in 2008 to $68,000, down from $79,000 in 2007. In the past two months alone, employees, on average, have lost nearly 18% of their 401(k) plan savings, and some have lost more than 30%....

Revisit employee medical confidentiality requirements.

America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) last week offered its own health care reform proposal on behalf of the nation's insurers. Although the plan would require a mandate for all Americans to purchase health insurance -- an idea rejected by President-elect Obama -- the industry cedes ground by stating...

What number should we show? One suggestion is the COBRA amount, or maybe a per capita amount? COBRA is an average for all individuals in that option. Wouldn't a more accurate number reflect more variables, age, location, etc.?

Kelley, Thank you for the good wishes. It has been a pleasure to work with EBN since its creation, and to have participated in the first and many subsequent EBN Benefit's expo's. While our 30th truely is news you cannot use, we now have 30 years of work available at www.ebri.org , as you point out....

The Employee Benefit Research Institute is all too modest. Not wanting to toot their own horn, we'll do it for them! This week, EBRI, dedicated to the development of sound employee benefit programs and public policy through nonpartisan research and education, celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Congratulations, Vermont, Hawaii and New Hampshire - you´re the top three healthiest states in the nation this year. Sorry, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina - you´re the bottom three states, according to "America´s Health Rankings," a report from the United Health Foundation.

Consider giving a holiday bonus ... or a ham.

According to U.S. News, employers are making a list and checking it twice -- and not in a good way. This recent article outlines 10 places employers will look to cut costs next year, among them 401(k) matches, employee training and merit increases. Which ones are on your list? Comment and let us know....