Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Proposed rate increases from insurers and a speech by HHS Secretary Burwell spurred plenty of discussion about the Affordable Care Act this week. Here’s what EBA readers had to say about the health care law.

Small companies can’t always offer their employees the big paychecks or stock options that larger companies can, or even those innovative companies often cited as one of the ‘best places to work.’ Still benefit advisers can work with employer clients to create a comprehensive benefit package and work culture that attracts talented employees. Four simple ways to win talent, according to Aflac, include:

In 2014, 31 million people had such high out-of-pocket costs or deductibles that they were underinsured, according to the Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey. Many underinsured individuals have large debts and/or skip medical care because they can’t afford it. Here are key findings from the survey:

The Affordable Care Act is spurring debate this week. With the legality of subsidies in question and the definition of the small-group market set to change, EBA readers weigh in on the potential impacts to the industry.

It was a busy week in benefits. Private sector competition is beating out SHOP exchanges, carriers are considering post-King v. Burwell rate changes and the retirement industry is responding to the Supreme Court's decision on Tibble v. Edison. Here's how EBA readers are taking it all in.

An increase in Department of Labor audits and the evolution of mobile capabilities are just two of the factors driving growth in the benefits administration space. Now more than ever, brokers need to help their clients picking the right ben admin provider, says Jennifer Daniel, VP at Businessolver. Speaking at a recent conference, Daniel, a former broker, shared five ways to ensure your clients find the right platform.

Of the top 50 large-group brokerages in the U.S., the 10 companies listed are firms with between $10 million and $100 million in large-group revenue that are experiencing positive year over year growth. EBA, in partnership with business intelligence data analytics firm miEdge, reveals in ascending order these fastest-growing firms. The listing is based on Form 5500 Schedule A reporting data on revenues coming from commissions and fees/bonuses as of March 31, 2015.

There are some lesser known apps and tools for the Chrome internet browser that advisers could be leveraging to help manage their day-to-day tasks, according to the Principal Financial Group’s, digital strategist lead, Brian Gualillo.

Reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act call for high levels of coordination between payroll and HR departments. One of the biggest changes this year is the employer shared responsibility provisions that went into effect for many large employers. Correct payroll data is vital to the end-of-year reporting process and in assessing whether an employer is subject to the provisions. Mike Trabold, director of compliance risk at Paychex, shares five best practices to ensure accuracy and help reduce the likelihood of penalties.

Household finances are a major concern for Americans, yet most have debt and are lacking a financial plan. A larger percentage of employees are seeking one-on-one guidance from an adviser through their employer, LIMRA research finds.