New DOL rule seen as next step toward open MEPs
Provisions to relax nexus requirement for shared plans are a modest step, but open multiple employer plans enjoy strong momentum and broad support.
Economy
Benefits Think The cannabis conundrum: What are workers’ rights?
The first in a two-part series examining the legal and cultural implications of the drug in the workplace.
Kathleen Greer
KGA
How to help employees avoid high medical bills
With resources like second opinion services and health spending accounts, workers may be able to achieve reductions in health costs.
Trump administration moves to make healthcare costs more transparent
Proposed rules would provide consumers more detail about the actual prices hospitals charge insurers.
The direct primary care movement is ‘picking up speed’
“When you can look at [an employee] and say we just saved you that copay, that means something,” one expert says.
DOL final rule expands retirement plan options for SMBs
Small and midsize employers will be able to form or connect with associations to offer employees workplace retirement plans.
Benefits Think What the HHS prescription drug rules mean for employer-sponsored plans
Benefit managers may need to review cost accumulator programs for specialty medications under recent regulations.
Zack Pace
CBIZ
Employers are in a position to stem opioid addiction. Why aren’t they?
By supporting pain management solutions that don’t involve pills, experts say HR is in a position to help turn the tide on the crisis.
Benefits Think Giving onsite clinics an engagement booster shot
Assuring employees of their data privacy in your client's benefits communication is key to increasing clinic utilization.
Larry Boress
Midwest Business Group on Health
Benefits Think 5 ways companies are innovating in healthcare
From large employers like Walmart, to those with smaller employee populations, addressing a fragmented and expensive healthcare system is a top priority.
Jami Doucette
Premise Health
Benefits employers and employees can smile about
These services make it easy for workers to use their dental benefits, and save companies money by encouraging preventative care.
IRS expands HDHP plan coverage of chronic conditions
Industry groups have long advocated for a change that will allow employees with HDHPs to use health savings accounts to cover prescriptions.
How employers are failing transgender employees in a crucial way
“Healthcare related to gender transition has been universally recognized by every major medical organization as medically necessary care,” says one expert.
How employers are failing transgender employees in a crucial way
“Healthcare related to gender transition has been universally recognized by every major medical organization as medically necessary care,” says one expert.
Benefits Think Health summary plan descriptions: Keeping them readable
SPDs can be great resources for employees to use before enrollment, but workers may have a tough time understanding them.
Kim Buckey
DirectPath
Benefits Think Health summary plan descriptions: Keeping them readable
SPDs can be great resources for employees to use before enrollment, but workers may have a tough time understanding them.
Kim Buckey
DirectPath
Employers are in a position to stem opioid addiction. Why aren’t they?
By supporting pain management solutions that don’t involve pills, experts say HR is in a position to help turn the tide on the crisis.
Benefits Think Marijuana is now legal in my state, but is it a ‘lawful product?’
Employers have to navigate through an ever growing patchwork of state laws surrounding cannabis use and the workforce.
Patrick J. McMahon
Foley & Lardner LLP
White House pulls the plug on proposed drug-rebate overhaul
The president’s proposal would have prohibited drugmakers from paying rebates to PBMs in government programs such as Medicare.
Steel company saves $5M on health benefits through reference-based pricing
Pacific Steel & Recycling got a better handle on how employees were utilizing their healthcare by firing their TPA and devising a new game plan.
