Drafting a strategic plan is the first step to combat soaring health care expenses impacting employees and employers, many of whom are turning to wellness programs and private exchanges to control costs.

Multinational organizations want to centrally administer their benefits, however, companies are struggling with employee engagement and communication, new research finds.

The majority of growth in private exchanges into 2017 will be in the 100-999 employee segment, as companies seek to make defensive plays ahead of the Cadillac tax.

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

Commentary: Employers need to tread carefully when developing policies regarding their employees’ use of social media. In particular, employers who have employees in multiple states should familiarize themselves with the rules governing the areas in which they operate.

The recent partnership is part of consolidation in the retirement space that will continue for the next three to five years, says Transamerica’s Kent Callahan, who shares his insight on the Mercer deal, as well as his firm’s relationship with brokers.

California becomes the first state in the country to mandate 45-day notice for any material changes to agent agreements. The law comes in response to two insurers cutting commission with little notice mid-enrollment season.

More choice through private exchanges means more complexity for employers, employees and brokers. What can be done to improve the process for all involved?

Commentary: Statistics show this is an industry that doesn’t believe in social selling. Too many agencies are not meeting goals at the same time they are rejecting social selling business practices.

Offering minimum essential coverage plans not only helps employers stay compliant with the ACA, it can also provide solid compensation for brokers and can lead to gap coverage sales.

Advisers hoping to remain relevant in a changing health care and benefits landscape must shift product offerings to meet industry trends. Rick Lindquist, president of Zane Benefits, discusses 6 key industry trends to watch.

Everything from filling prescriptions to asking primary care questions can be done via online or over the phone, which can reduce medical claims, but only if employees are engaged in their plan.

Teams of benefit experts debated each other on which type of plan is the future of employer-paid health care during a discussion Tuesday at EBA’s Workplace Benefits Summit in Orlando.

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.

High-profile merger and acquisition activity in the health insurance market has some employers squeamish about decreased competition and carrier responsiveness, but some industry experts say employers have methods for recourse.

Devices and applications are impacting health care, but it’s crucial not to overlook the human aspect of technology, says Healthways’ Chris Dancy.

Increased regulatory requirements and rising health care costs have spurred more employers to consider defined contribution health care plans, a trend industry experts at EBA’s Workplace Benefits Summit say is a result of a more transformative approach to health care benefit strategy.

Hospital consolidation is driving up public exchange bills in mostly urban areas and could jeopardize quality of care.

Despite thousands of dollars spent on marketing, one key item is missing for critical illness insurance sales. What is it and how can four simple questions help improve sales?

Brian Heckert, the new Million Dollar Round Table president, shares the story of how he entered the industry, as well as what he hopes to accomplish and insights on other issues facing the retirement industry.