New opportunities to support employee mental health
For advisers and their clients, the crisis has ushered in a new era for mental health, caregiving and telemedicine platforms
Coronavirus
Why employees should use HSA dollars during the pandemic
HSA spending is more flexible than ever; learn how employees can make the most of them amid coronavirus.
‘Seismic activity that shakes us to our foundation’
The age of coronavirus means disruption beyond what most people imagined, forcing profound changes in how we work and live.
Benefits Think Coronavirus pandemic proves the need for on-demand wage options
The situation points to the increasing need for an on-demand earnings alternative.
Alaa Pasha
Instant Financial
The burden of bereavement: Grief is the latest challenge for employers in the coronavirus era
“After my husband died, I couldn’t even tie my shoes,” says Emma Payne, founder of Grief Coach. “The fact that I was expected to go back to work was unthinkable.”
Benefits Think Managing post-COVID elective surgery demand
According to some estimates from a leading national health insurer, there could be more than 2.3 million people who will seek elective surgeries in the coming year.
Randy Hawkins
ConsumerMedical
Here are the best things employers can do to help with retirement benefits and savings
A retirement expert advises employers on helping workers save for the future during this pandemic.
100+ canceled internships threaten planning careers, industry talent pipeline
XY Planning Network says about 250 students and 50 firms have responded to a new virtual internship program it launched to fill the gap.
By
Ann Marsh
Why working parents need extra support during coronavirus
Now is an “opportunity to advance the conversation around mental health and well-being,” says Aetna’s head of behavioral health.
Carriers adapt workplace benefits to help employees affected by coronavirus
Many carriers are choosing to automatically continue coverage for all employees for a specified period of time, or are extending eligibility for employees whose status has changed.
Benefits Think Why the time is right for telephonic and off-cycle enrollments
Employees who are still at work now have a vested interest in adding financial protections for themselves and their families — whether it comes through supplemental health coverage or additional welfare coverage.
Kim Buckey
DirectPath
Caregiver programs may become the most in-demand benefits of 2020
Now, more than ever, employers need to be prioritizing benefits to fit the needs of these employees.
Employers need to address how inequality affects health
The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions says the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for employers to fight social disparities.
Should clients change their retirement plans because of coronavirus?
Gauging any possible changes to their health insurance coverage is just one consideration they must address before they retire.
Microsoft expands PTO to accommodate employees impacted by coronavirus
Implemented in early April the benefit is available to all of Microsoft's global employees, including hourly and salaried workers.
New tools give small businesses support for coronavirus relief programs
Tech firm Zenefits seeks to expedite the process to apply for the Payroll Protection Program and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Benefits Think 3 ways benefits plans can provide relief in uncertain times
One possible solution is for employers to add a new temporary dependent care benefit, whereby employers can cover dependent care expenses with an expanded set of expense coverage.
Robert Deshaies
WEX Health
Employers need to have a game plan now for returning to work after coronavirus
The medical community isn’t sure when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, but a labor attorney says employers need to have office policies in place well beforehand.
Ways clients can use their tax refund toward retirement: Tax Strategy Scan
For starters, they can use the windfall to pay off debt, shore up their HSAs and build a cash reserve.
Using self-funded health plans to cut costs for company health plans
Employers in three metropolitan areas will have access to the cost-saving health plan.
