Employee benefits

Commentary: By cutting cash-outs among 401(k) plan participants, sponsors can help more savings stay in the overall retirement system.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 will repeal the Affordable Care Act’s provision requiring employers with more than 200 employees to automatically enroll full-time workers in a health plan if coverage isn't voluntarily chosen or declined by the employee.

Insurers believe value-added services such as tools and advocacy programs, in addition to being an incumbent carrier, make a consumer choose them. But, a new analysis reveals what really drives choice.

Commentary: Employers who move most effectively to address stress and improve their employees' resiliency will find themselves at a competitive advantage in employee recruitment, retention and market performance.

Reasonable cost, leadership support and an investment line-up that meets the needs of all participants are important attributes of a successful 401(k) plan.

Premiums for the second-lowest-cost silver plans are going up by an average of 7.5% next year in the 37 states that use a U.S.-run website, HHS says.

Effective behavior change programs are likely to be based on theory and evidence and built on years of scientific research – not on employer demands, personal preferences or bells-and-whistles technology.

Employers can play an influential role in shaping their benefit design so that it encourages employees to look at high-value providers and use tools that help make the health care decision-making process more transparent.

Every senior benefits executive knows almost exactly how much health care is directly costing their business. But do they know how much health care is costing them indirectly in lost productivity, even when employees are on the job?

The professional employer organization industry is experience massive growth, but the co-employment arrangement isn’t right for everyone. Here are the benefits of a PEO and the red flags to watch out for.

Commentary: As college costs continue to rise and student loan debt reaches unprecedented levels, a 529 plan can offer a valuable benefit for employees looking to meet their college savings objectives.

The ACA’s 2018 Cadillac tax looms large in the minds of employers and benefit experts have already begun to see trends in the plan design options and benefit offering changes employers have made to avoid the hefty excise tax.

Guidelines that will offer assistance for states that want to avoid or embrace the Employee Retirement Income Security Act are expected to be released by the end of the year, Borzi says.

Commentary: It’s important for employees to have someone to help support them during this time. Your clients are in the perfect position to offer that type of assistance.

As we head into the heart of renewal season, that old fear of receiving a surprise from your broker or carrier is likely sneaking into the back of your mind. There’s a better way: Performing a checkup on your benefits plan to make sure it’s as healthy as it can be.

Unlimited vacation programs, like the one recently announced by LinkedIn, sound like a dream benefit but experts caution only companies with an entrepreneurial corporate culture and excellent communication practices can successfully implement them.

With some employees forced to retire earlier than expected because of health issues, employers need to reinforce the "save early" message.

Massachusetts implemented a sick leave law earlier this year. Employers in other states may want to take note.

As employers grapple with how best to provide quality benefits for employees and comply with the Affordable Care Act, they’re seeking out new strategies. Captives are an interesting approach that can work for some plan sponsors.

Paid parental leave remains a contentious issue, particularly for smaller employers who may not have the financial resources to offer paid leave. But Nestlé’s chief human resources officer, Judy Cascapera, believes expanding paid time-off for new parents is a good business move. Here’s why.