Employee benefits

The U.S. Senate bill that would take broker compensation out of the medical loss ratio equation hasn't moved in the more than two months since it was introduced. Not surprising given recesses and outings by top administration officials to discuss broader issues, like the budget, in front of Senate committees. But what are the chances of this bill gaining any ground in the 113th Congress?

There is a movement afoot to put state governments in the business of offering retirement plans to private citizens, which would ultimately eliminate opportunities and siphon business away from financial professionals. Lawmakers in several states have proposed that states create government-run plans for private sector workers. While the details differ from state to state, every proposal this year would require employers who do not currently offer a plan to adopt a state-run plan, either in…

Communication of benefits isn't easy. It's one of the reasons we pay tribute to the best of internal communication of benefits every year with the i-COMM Awards. Here's how to enter.

Employee benefits lawyers analyze the new health care reform rules, including the five requirements all wellness programs must have.

The Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services issued what are being called final rules on employment-based wellness programs, and advocacy groups immediately weighed in on the changes, which were required under the Affordable Care Act.

As more companies embrace consumer-driven health care models and prepare for the full implementation of health care reform, employees need voluntary benefits more than ever. This chart pack includes the latest data on voluntary benefits from the Aflac WorkForces Report and UBA’s Ancillary Products Survey.

Auto/home insurance suffers from a lack of awareness in the workplace.

Now is the time to explore starting an off-cycle voluntary benefit sales initiative.

Three reasons why all benefit consultants need to get into the retirement business by The Guardian’s Stephen Davis.

Vermont is the first state to divulge rates for public health insurance exchanges. EBA spoke with Mark Larson, commissioner of the department of Vermont health access.

Slowed by health reform, medical tourism — the practice of seeking lower-cost health care elsewhere is back on track.

John Ludwig on the hidden plan costs of lost participants in retirement plans due to fee disclosure and Q2 to-do list

High-deductible health plans are one route on the path to health plan cost reduction.

Private disability insurance gets employees back to work more consistently than public programs yet the industry still struggles to get employees enrolled in the benefit.

With health care appeals, a plan administrator can simply grant the appeal .

The study from Truven Health Analytics examined insurance claims data for over 6.5 million emergency department visits in 2010 and found that just 29% of patients actually required immediate attention in the emergency room.

As more companies embrace consumer-driven health care models and prepare for the full implementation of health care reform, employees need voluntary benefits more than ever. This chart pack includes the latest data on voluntary benefits from the Aflac WorkForces Report and UBA’s Ancillary Products Survey.

Technology company Enova is named among the top 50 employers for Gen Y workers.

Most observers agree that target date funds are easier and safer to use for both retirement plan participants and plan sponsors.

In-Plan Life-Time Income Guarantees provide new opportunities for plan participants