NAIFA has launched a new initiative aimed at reinventing its role as an advocate for advisers. Its five-year strategic plan, dubbed NAIFA 20/20, aims to make the association a more effective resource for an increasingly diverse membership facing some challenging regulatory burdens.

Commentary: If you listen to your clients — and I mean really listen to what they’re saying and not saying — you’ll know exactly what they need and what they’re willing to spend money on, says columnist Wendy Keneipp.

Commentary: Add these talking points to your next plan review to ensure the year gets off to a good start, says adviser Michael Clark.

Commentary: By understanding the measurables of their plan and leveraging data, plan sponsors will make smarter, more informed decisions to create competitive benefit packages while addressing plan-specific needs with actionable insights.

New business for validated employee benefit producers decreased over the past three years. Organic growth for independent brokers has also slowed. However, mergers are on a record-setting pace.

It all starts with a business plan and honest answers to some tough questions about the state of your company, says columnist Jack Kwicien.

Commentary: The benefits community should pay close attention to this ERISA case and should be prepared to quickly adapt procedures according to the Supreme Court’s forthcoming ruling, which is expected by June 2016.

Employee education is critical to health care cost management, says United Benefit Advisors’ Les McPhearson, who addresses rising plan costs in the company’s annual health plan survey.

Implementing top-tier plans poses unique obstacles for advisers and their employer clients.

Commentary: Without building a better plan, continued participation will wane and the program as a whole will fall short of employer health initiatives, says adviser Tim Olson, who shares five steps that will lead employer clients to an improved plan.

Don't miss today's top stories on EBA. Click here for the most read articles of the day.

Digital Insurance announces investment in tech company GoCo it hopes will transform not only the way the firm does business with small and mid-size employers, but will also raise client expectations of the benefit industry as a whole.

Outliving retirement savings is an issue that individuals must face, and a qualified longevity annuity contract is one way to address the problem as lifespans increase.

Commentary: The reality is that the CO-OPs could not overcome the most vital aspect of our insurance infrastructure: maintaining adequate reserves, says adviser David C. Smith.

Dental plans are innovating with new technologies, and boosting participation in the process.From mobile apps to virtual ID cards to gamification and even Bluetooth smart brushes, it’s not your father’s dental plan anymore. Brokers seeking innovative plan designs for employers should take note. The future is here.

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

Commentary: Executives are starting to acknowledge that engagement alone won’t drive long-term results.

In an exclusive interview, EBA’s 2015 Adviser of the Year Tim Olson describes “the single biggest thing” advisers should avoid if they want to grow their business. Also, Olson, managing partner at The Olson Group, shares how advisers can make money on licensing fees with little outward spend.

The Supreme Court of the United States Friday agreed to hear another challenge to the ACA's birth control mandate. It’s the fourth time the Affordable Care Act will be considered by the Supreme Court and follows the controversial ruling in last year’s closely watched Hobby Lobby case.

Commentary: Risk adjustment programs were intended to be self-supporting and clearly this has not been the case, says adviser Craig Hasday.