Disability insurance

Some brokers are more tuned in to clients’ plans than others, but all would benefit from a comprehensive understanding of DI, says The Standard’s Brian Kost.

With employers increasingly turning to VBs to fill coverage gaps, insurers like Unum are offering new systems to automate enrollment.

Helping employees with disabilities stay at work is easier than you might think.

Workers are nearly twice as likely to choose the financial protection products when they’re offered through their employer, finds a recent Cigna study.

There is ‘tons of opportunity' for advisers to educate workers on the financial security benefits of these products, says new Cigna study.

Employers can get the most value out of their benefits through onboarding assistance and accommodations support, according to The Standard’s Brian Kost.

The top 10 large-group long-term disability insurance carriers in the U.S., as presented by business intelligence data analytics firm miEdge. Revealed in descending order, the listing is based on Form 5500 Schedule A reporting data on premiums as of Dec. 31, 2015.

Accommodating employees who are experiencing disabling illnesses or injuries can help them work more comfortably, boost output and minimize absences.

Advisers can make use of these best practices to lower the costs and increase the effectiveness of employer disability programs.

Do employer clients need to give individuals receiving disability payments an offer of health plan coverage?

Only 30% of workers are covered, despite the demonstrable need to protect income.

Brokers should pay attention to expanded feature offerings when recommending a carrier for STD coverage.

Commentary: Advisers focused on life insurance and financial planning are missing an opportunity to stand out by introducing DI into the discussion.

Commentary: Many employers are struggling to get employees to enroll in voluntary programs; busy workers often don’t take the time to understand what’s being offered.

Some employers may think a grandiose set-up is required for an onsite clinic – with X-ray machines, pharmacies and a gaggle of physicians – but they really can be quite simple to set up and maintain.

When addressing group disability coverage, brokers should speak of real-life situations to convey the importance of such plans.

Employers more than ever are seeking innovative solutions for health care cost containment from their benefit advisers, and one industry expert says emerging strategies to help brokers thrive in the coming decade should include voluntary benefit sales and plan integration.

Sun Life Financial Inc., Canada’s third-largest life insurer, has agreed to buy the employee-benefits business of Assurant Inc. to further expand its presence in the U.S.

Commentary: Many brokers underestimate the impact a comprehensive disability management philosophy can have on the total cost of an employee benefits program.

Commentary: Reinforcing a simple three-step approach can help your clients connect employees working through a mental health condition with the assistance they need.