Employee benefits

The Employee Benefit Research Institute says even high-income workers are more likely to retire comfortably if they start their 401(k) with bigger bites.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, so when health reform offers women free preventative services, many are left wondering where they came from.

A new Towers Watson survey indicates that U.S. employers think their defined contribution plans are misunderstood and underutilized, despite auto-features and education efforts.

In first presidential debate, the former Massachusetts governor championed the private sector, but offered few details on his plan to replace Obamacare.

Based on a review of 35 major health plan websites, most issuers are still struggling to provide the Summary of Benefits and Coverage, even while the SBC provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act took effect last week, according to Tyrula LLC.

By shifting employee assistance programs from addressing mental problems to improving mental and overall health, companies can remove much of the illness stigma and increase utilization.

Majority of patients say cost is the biggest problem facing U.S. health care.

A Wells Fargo Insurance survey finds that the cost of claims in employer-sponsored health plans will grow by high single digits next year.

The contrasting factors of those keeping active longer and those who might not have been active enough are leading to a surge of knee replacement surgeries, and it’s getting expensive.

Health care plans that insist participants get their prescription medications by mail order could see backlash, unless they address concerns.

Combining voluntary and permanent life to help employees.

ERISA 408(b)(2) fee disclosures may lead to less options, service

Employer matches aren't as strong of an inducement to get employees into the 401(k) plan as one might think, says Brigitte Madrian, a behavioral economist and professor of public policy and corporate management at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

Consultants, industry groups question the transparency in PBM practices.

Retirement readiness is just not a buzz word for EBA’s Retirement Adviser of the Year.

Nelson Griswold on how brokers can survive the PPACA health reform tsunami.

John Lamb shares how health care can be fixed by using an IT mindset.

Fred Barstein on how new advisers are critical to growth of DC market.

As CEO of United Benefit Advisors, I hear continually about the issues facing our 36,000 employer clients. Managing prescription drug costs continues to be paramount. The UBA 2012 Health Plan Survey shows that 64.2% of prescription drug plans utilize three co-pay tiers (generic, formulary brand, and non-formulary brand); 2.9% have a one-tier plan, 8.2% retain a two-tier plan; and 24.7% add a fourth tier (specialty). Consultants should watch these plan structures carefully as many brand-name drugs go off their patents and pricing is determined for the influx of generic drugs. On the other end of the spectrum, we're watching increases in specialty drugs, which are driving up costs significantly.

Discount programs deliver financial savings of up to 50% to employees, increasing their loyalty to their employer.