Commentary: The importance of the online marketing strategy cannot be overstated, says columnist Mel Schlesinger. Whether you realize it or not, he says, your prospects are going online and learning what they can about you before they ever actually meet with you.

An increase in the offering of consumer-driven health care products has not translated into increased understanding on the part of consumers — exposing a need for more assistance from benefit professionals and educational tools.

For most employers, the Hobby Lobby decision will have little impact, meaning they will have to comply with the ACA as written. Looking for loopholes can be risky, not just for ACA compliance but also for ERISA compliance, generally.

A day in the life of benefit adviser Eric Blofsky of (k)ornerstone 401(k) Services.

As media interest in health insurance exchanges decreases over time, the insurance industry may need to develop more effective communications to reach the uninsured.

Road to Workplace Benefits Mania: Ahead of the July conference, speaker Donald Rowe discusses why you need something new to talk about with clients and how there's a product that no one is too old, too sick, too tall, too short or too anything to be eligible for.

Millions more Americans have gained coverage as a result of the health reform law, increasing the workload for benefit advisers, but not necessarily the compensation they receive.

It’s time to nominate your outstanding colleagues — or yourself — for Employee Benefit Adviser’s 2014 Adviser of the Year awards!

Commentary: While the rules are clear that employers cannot reimburse employees for coverage purchased on the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges, broker David C. Smith explores questions about post-ACA reimbursement arrangements, particularly HRAs.

Funding for Social Security Disability Insurance is set to run out by 2016, and if no further action from Congress is taken, SSDI recipients could see a 20% reduction in benefits.

The six most popular insurance plans on the New York state health insurance exchange are seeking double-digit increases in their premium rates for next year, with an average request of a 14.6% rate hike.

Commentary: Allowing direct access between carrier resources and clients won’t just save you time — it can help reduce instances of disability in the workplace, says The Standard’s Brian Kost. Addressing issues early can help clients diminish the need for an employee to file a disability claim at all, he says.

Commentary: Addressing bswift’s annual benefits study, CEO Rich Gallun identifies trends and provides insight into how organizations are using wellness initiatives, consumerism and technology to shift responsibility for benefit decision-making and management from employer to employee.

As reports of more DOL audits continue to spook benefit advisers into talking compliance with their clients, employers are confirming that they, too, are fearful of federal agencies’ monitoring.

Road to Workplace Benefits Mania: Ahead of the July conference, speaker Phyllis Falotico discusses why it’s important for brokers and carriers alike to help employers evolve the experience of voluntary benefits from just providing access to products to driving awareness of the need to their employees.

The DOL’s ERISA Advisory Council plans to identify current industry practices and trends regarding the types of employee benefit plan services being outsourced and the market for delivery of those services as part of its 2014 issue agenda.

A recent increase in formations of employee stock ownership plans, known as ESOPs, has put the spotlight on the combined employee benefit and small business management succession tool that has been in existence since 1956.

Commentary: Exchanges have been successful for retiree coverage. But, will they work for core coverage? Frenkel Benefits’ Craig Hasday shares points to consider with your clients.

Commentary: Because selling is a tough job, it’s often necessary to do things differently to close sales. Columnist John Graham shares six ways to go about it.

With the major elements of the Affordable Care Act taking effect this year, mini-med plans have met their demise, but skinny plans are gaining traction in their place.