Are surprises ahead for legislation to curb surprise medical bills?
As Congress weighs how to address the problem, here’s a guide to the bills and what to watch.
Economy
Winston Benefits, ConnectYourCare partner on health benefits
The two companies are working together to administer HSAs, FSAs, HRAs and COBRA to employers.
Alegeus releases AI-enabled Smart HSA
The company has a new mobile app that helps workers find ways to save money on healthcare.
House votes to ease rules, incentivize use of MEPs
In addition to increasing the age limit for required minimum distributions, the bill also makes it easier for employers to unite and form joint retirement plans.
Opioid prescriptions drop sharply among state workers
California’s workforce is reporting a major reduction of opioid use, reflecting a national trend of physicians cutting back on the addictive drugs.
Lawmakers see momentum for bills promoting workplace retirement plans
Congress is considering open MEPs, fiduciary safe harbors and tax incentives as ways to incentivize employers to roll out retirement plans.
Will medical marijuana become part of your benefits mix?
Health plans have largely avoided covering cannabis, but with momentum for new therapeutic applications, that could change.
Benefits Think Employers may need to revisit practices surrounding medical marijuana
Companies face a complicated array of laws on workplace policies and drug testing. Here are just a few they need to keep in mind.
Laura Elkayam
Much Shelist P.C.
CBO’s report on single-payer healthcare holds more questions than answers
“Even single-payer systems around the globe vary from each other in many, many ways,” an expert who helped draft the Affordable Care Act says.
Should clients proceed with reference-based pricing?
Though the model may help solidify healthcare prices, it requires constant vigilance in order to work efficiently, experts say.
Should employers proceed with reference-based pricing?
Though the model may help solidify healthcare prices, it requires constant vigilance in order to work efficiently, experts say.
Association insurance pushes on despite court ruling
One district judge cited an attempted “end-run” around the ACA in rejecting large chunks of a new rule expanding access to plans for small businesses.
Association insurance pushes on despite court ruling
One district judge cited an attempted “end-run” around the ACA in rejecting large chunks of a new rule expanding access to plans for small businesses.
Benefits Think NYC marijuana bill puts employers in a sticky situation
If signed into law, it will become an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer to require a job applicant to submit to marijuana testing as a condition of employment.
Stefan M. Canizares
Foley & Larder
Producers seen as critical to direct primary care success
The distribution channel includes about 8,500 benefit brokers, advisers and insurance agents who see greater value in a flat-rate model without claims.
Adviser partnership helps foster career development
The NextGen Benefits Mastermind Partnership program offers healthcare supply chain certification, a speakers academy and marketing program to help advisers stay relevant and expand business.
Benefits Think Self-funding can create real savings for employers
While healthcare admin costs are fixed, claims costs are variable. And with careful management, you can reduce this second bucket by 15% or more.
Benefits Think Ask Benny: How can employers find better value for their healthcare dollar?
It’s a tough mission given the providers have the market power — but there are steps to take.
Suzanne Delbanco
Catalyst for Payment Reform
Benefits Think How healthcare innovation helped save my life
A direct primary care model saved me from having a horrible health outcome. Can we embrace other new ideas to turn a broken system around?
Kathryn Mayer
Employee Benefit News
Healthcare: The barrier to retirement employers are helping tear down
Employer clients are embracing HSAs, and forging new trails, to help curb the cost of healthcare.
