5 trends in benefits for 2015
Published December 16, 2014 11:25 AM
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Updated December 17, 2014 4:59 PM
1 Min Read
[Image: Fotolia]
Effort to repeal the ACA will continue
We may be dealing with new changes to the ACA, says Hyatt Erstad, president of the Boise, Idaho-based insurance company Erstad and Company. One of which is the 30-hour work week rule.
There will be the effort to do a full repeal just to get it off their chests then the question is would there be a grand bargain compromise that would incorporate any aspects of changes to the ACA? says Joel Wood, senior vice president of government affairs at The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. Or will Congress take a piecemeal approach? Wood expects to see both efforts, which would be very popular and maybe difficult for the president to potentially veto override. [Image: Fotolia]
There will be the effort to do a full repeal just to get it off their chests then the question is would there be a grand bargain compromise that would incorporate any aspects of changes to the ACA? says Joel Wood, senior vice president of government affairs at The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. Or will Congress take a piecemeal approach? Wood expects to see both efforts, which would be very popular and maybe difficult for the president to potentially veto override. [Image: Fotolia]
Social media to play a larger role
Social media will continue to help increase participation in wellness programs, says Beena Thomas, Optums vice president of health and wellness. Social media has played and will play a larger, more defined role in driving employee engagement, she says. [Image: Fotolia]
Cost-shifting to continue
In 2015, employers will continue to shift the rising cost of health care to employees, says Robin Widdis, business unit president and interim wellness director at CBIZ. That will create an emphasis on healthier lifestyles, she says. There will also be more of a focus on taking action versus pushing information. [Image: Fotolia]
Will interest rates remain low?
Prolonged low interest rates have made it difficult to save for the future, says Dave Evans, senior vice president at the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Inc. Will interest rates remain low? No one can say for sure," he says.
If rates do increase, there will be annuity buyouts for retirees in 2015, says Matt Sicking, a senior consultant at Towers Watson. [Image: Fotolia]
If rates do increase, there will be annuity buyouts for retirees in 2015, says Matt Sicking, a senior consultant at Towers Watson. [Image: Fotolia]
An integrated approach to benefits
An integrated approach to benefits will continue in 2015, says Betsy Dill, Mercers U.S. innovation leader.
Employers will look to use one vendor for all benefits, says Beena Thomas, Optums vice president of health and wellness. Affordability still continues to remain paramount for employers, she says. [Image: Fotolia]
Employers will look to use one vendor for all benefits, says Beena Thomas, Optums vice president of health and wellness. Affordability still continues to remain paramount for employers, she says. [Image: Fotolia]
