Client communications

What should employers and lawmakers do to address the high cost of healthcare? A lot more, experts say.

EBA’s annual conference delved deep into hot benefit trends, broker strategies and technology.

There’s a big “gap in strategy — or the lack thereof,” says Curtis Cannon of Axis Recovery. “A lot of brokers have a bolt-on mindset.”

Employers should partner with advisers to help workers understand offerings and make them more engaged year-round.

The company had issues with inconsistent messaging and "way too many medical plans." A partnership with Hodges-Mace and on-site enrollment counselors helped turn things around.

Technology alone won’t drive business for brokers, but when used correctly, it can make a good addition.

Millennials and Gen Z want more from their employers than the basic medical coverage. Learn how to adapt benefits to their needs as they age.

No one knows what the future of healthcare will be, but these experts say it needs to be simpler.

From Kentucky cementing its decision to discontinue payroll deductions for voluntary benefits to tax challenges clients take on, is the voluntary market on the edge of an evolution?

In the wake of the CVS-Aetna merger, Cigna-Express Scripts partnership and other deals, a new future is emerging in the benefits world.

Brokerages are struggling to retain workers and it may be time to take a hard look at hiring practices.

BHC Insurance’s James McMillan, one of this year's Rising Stars, embraces technology to explain benefits but says “the best form of explanation is always direct one on one contact.”

Retirees who opt to file at a much later date can earn delayed retirement credits that could boost their benefits by as much as 32%.

American Fidelity’s Michael Hart, one of this year’s Rising Stars, looks to provide service to take care of customers “when they had the worst day of their life.”

These young standout advisers see a changing workforce sparking new benefits for gig workers, student loan debt relief and better engagement tactics from employers. Ranging in age from 26 to 35, they represent the next generation ready to make their mark on an evolving industry.

Ed Ligondé discusses the direction he sees advisers going as they move away from the broker role toward a more consultative role with clients.

“I’m always looking at cutting down pharmacy costs,” says Rising Star Jessica McCool. “It’s becoming a bigger piece of the pie for benefit plans.”

In the wake of the CVS-Aetna merger, Cigna-Express Scripts partnership and other deals, a new future is emerging in the benefits world.

More clients are tailoring packages to meet the varying wants and needs of workers. They’re offering mixes of bonuses, flex time, paid time off, retirement plans, career development and more.

Meredith Colbert, one of EBA’s 2019 Rising Stars in Advising, uses her own experience to bolster young advisers at her firm.