Employee benefits

A recent delay on out-of-pocket spending could be complicated for those who think they have a single-vendor system, should their health care provider and pharmacy be considered separate internally.

The U.S. Department of Labor has provided guidance on Family and Medical Leave Act protections for same-sex couples. The guidance follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which fundamentally changed how the federal government treats same-sex marriages.

Despite the modest increase “rising health care costs remain a serious concern for U.S. employers,” said Helen Darling, the group’s president and CEO.

The number of Fortune 500 companies offering health care benefits to same-sex partners has surged in a decade, to about 62% last year from 34% in 2002, according to the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign.

More than a third of survey respondents plan to make a change to their HR structure before the end of 2014. Towers Watson says that among those organizations planning change, 74% say it’s to improve operational efficiencies.

A new poll shows a large gap between the amount of life insurance necessary and what consumers think they have.

The bill passed Monday would require pharmacies to notify doctors and sometimes patients when a cheaper biosimilar drug is substituted for a brand-name medicine. It also would forbid a pharmacist from substituting the biosimilar drug if the physician says no.

Only 9% of companies, meanwhile, indicate they are very prepared to implement required changes to their business based on the health care reform law at this time.

Three behaviors stand in the way of positive outcomes.

We talk with our 2013 winner about global benefits administration and what makes the HR calling so special.

October 1 is the due date for an employer to establish a new 401(k) plan using those special “Safe Harbor” contribution rules.

In response to Monday's legal reminder about the Oct. 1 ACA employee communications, we’re bringing you more information on the requirements.

Employer mandate delay puts pressure on Congress.

But health plans need to improve in other areas if they want to keep group business.

Consumers will want choices like they get on popular sites such as Amazon and Expedia.

Why employers need to step up and train employees to make work-life fit a priority.

Company launches online total compensation statements.

Defined benefit pension plans are the zombies of the benefits business, with certain retirement experts insisting there is a unique marketplace for them.

The impact that flexible spending accounts on modifying health care spending habits.

Five misconceptions about the role of continued health coverage and the ACA