Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

What agencies will last in this new age of business? As vice president of business development for United Benefit Advisors, an organization of more than 140 independent benefit firms that is looking to add to its ranks, Matt Kistler has traveled the country and learned what makes a brokerage successful, and which ones will be around many years from now. Kistler shares some of his predictions on which firms will be widely successful in the future:

In 2012, nearly half (45%) of voluntary benefit premium came from rollover business, Transamerica Employee Benefits' Jeff Caldwell pointed out at a recent broker conference. The exploding growth of this market is due to many factors, such as an increase in the number of supplemental products available, the growing number of carriers offering voluntary benefits, and producers wanting to sell them, newer plan designs and revenue generation efforts, Caldwell, Transamerica's marketing director, explained.

The U.S. Senate bill that would take broker compensation out of the medical loss ratio equation hasn't moved in the more than two months since it was introduced. Not surprising given recesses and outings by top administration officials to discuss broader issues, like the budget, in front of Senate committees. But what are the chances of this bill gaining any ground in the 113th Congress?

The political climate has become so volatile in Washington that working with Congress is becoming an ever-more difficult task, said the head of the National Association of Health Underwriters at a recent conference.

Three reasons why all benefit consultants need to get into the retirement business by The Guardian’s Stephen Davis.

Americans living longer means a corresponding uptick in annuity sales.

Vermont is the first state to divulge rates for public health insurance exchanges. EBA spoke with Mark Larson, commissioner of the department of Vermont health access.

Slowed by health reform, medical tourism — the practice of seeking lower-cost health care elsewhere is back on track.

By setting wellness exceptions, health care experts and insurance brokers find success with an integrated solution that goes beyond vendor selection

Direct primary care in health care can help save money in a complicated year for benefit brokers.