Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Ellen M. is a 47-year-old single mom whose 4-year-old son is diagnosed with pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified, a disorder on the autism spectrum.

When asked about their experience with selling workplace voluntary benefits, most brokers often give one of two replies:

Employees know very little about disability coverage. But when they learn about it, they often want it and are willing to pay for it. A Consumer Federation of America and Unum national survey finds that only 13% of surveyed workers know "a lot" about disability insurance, and less than half (47%) know what its benefits are, according to the survey of 1,200 employees. Yet, when informed about DI, a majority (90%) want the coverage, and 86% are willing to pay half of a $30 average monthly premium, and 56% are willing to pay the entire premium in order to gain income protection should they become disabled. According to a 2012 Social Security Fact Sheet, almost 1-in-4 of today's 20 year olds will become disabled before age 67.

With consumer-driven health care plans increasing the out-of-pocket contribution for a growing number of employees, employers and their advisers are looking for ways to offset these costs. Consult A Doctor's telephonic program connects employees to a doctor in a matter of minutes, no office visit copay required, just a fee-for-service that is often covered by the employer.

All too often we get caught up in day-to-day activities and forget who it is that we ultimately serve: employees. Without employees signing up for benefits, querying accounts, using services provided and generally trying to take care of themselves and their families, we wouldn't have businesses to run. To bring this point home, I offer the following composite sketches (based on anecdotes from brokers, vendors and employers) - oh to be a fly on the wall ...

Nearly three in four Americans say they are concerned about their ability to support themselves should they become unable to work due to a disability.

Pharmaceutical companies, which were spared some of the more sweeping regulations in President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, could come under more pressure if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down part or all of the 2010 law.

This summer, thousands of employees will be improving their financial knowledge and pitting their know-how against others in the first Employee Benefit News and Employee Benefit Adviser Financial Fitness Challenge.

Here is a recent roundup of industry accomplishments. Check to see if a colleague is mentioned this week.

It’s time to nominate your outstanding colleagues — or yourself — for Employee Benefit Adviser’s 2012 Adviser of the Year awards! EBA’s Advisers of the Year are recognized for their stellar performance in sales, client service and overall impact on the profession.