Economy

Collecting cost data and offering consumer-oriented tools to employees can help firms expose the widespread problem of variation in medical price and quality.

The problem can result in financial burdens and lost productivity for employees, but companies can provide support services and tools, including an advocacy service through the benefits plan.

Ex-president of Eli Lilly's U.S. arm, Alex Azar, was confirmed to head the Department of Health and Human Services, setting a permanent replacement for Tom Price.

President James Klein spoke with EBA about the organization’s agenda, now that Cadillac tax implementation is delayed another two years.

The problem can result in financial burdens and lost productivity for employees, but companies can provide support services and tools, including an advocacy service through the benefits plan.

Benefit groups applaud inclusion of the measure in House bill, expect it will still pass when Congress eventually reaches a deal.

The due dates for filing with the IRS remain unchanged for now, but advisers and clients must monitor developments that may repeal or modify rules.

The CVS-Aetna deal, for example, would have the potential to take over costly, and previously difficult-to-control, primary care costs.

The bill clarifies that agent compensation is not an insurance company administrative expense, which could relieve financial strains on small and independent firms.

Long used by larger companies, these medical stop-loss systems are now benefitting a wide range of businesses.