Employee benefits

It takes knowledge and planning, but there are ways to keep health insurance costs from derailing company profits while still offering employees the benefits they need.

Lawsuits can’t be avoided, so advisers should focus on helping clients improve their processes, one expert says.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez unveiled new requirements governing adviser and employer arrangements regarding organizing.

Few programs can provide hard data that they solidly increase health outcomes for employees or decrease costs for employer clients.

The U.S. health system is making strides toward value-based care but much of it is still focused on volume, which is detrimental for plan sponsors and employees.

BlackRock Inc. plans to cut about 400 jobs in what may be the biggest round of layoffs to date at the world’s largest money manager, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

New ways advisers can help clients make sound savings and investment decisions.

The DOL’s impending fiduciary rule will accelerate employers’ move toward vetting for experienced brokers, one expert says, adding that a formal process would help plan sponsors better spot suitable firms.

Lack of consistency in 401(k) matches is one reason Teresa Ghilarducci says it’s time for a change.

Employers need to work closely with their insurance advisers to understand the big picture of healthcare reform and the how it relates to their specific company.

Regardless of what the final Department of Labor regulations say about fiduciary responsibility, sponsors should not hire or continue to work with an adviser who will not sign on to the plan as a fiduciary.

State Street Corp. agreed to buy General Electric Co.’s asset management unit for as much as $485 million in cash to expand alternative investments such as private equity and real estate.

While benchmarking 401(k) plan investments and fees is important, new research suggests employers and their advisers aren’t doing enough to measure workers’ retirement readiness.

Online career site Glassdoor releases its annual report, providing benefit advisers and employers insight into what industries are paying some of their top performers.

The DOL’s impending fiduciary rule will accelerate employers’ move toward vetting for experienced brokers, one expert says, adding that a formal process would help plan sponsors better spot suitable firms.

The Northeast Business Group on Health says digital tools can make a difference in controlling chronic conditions among employees.

Despite early successes, many large employers are reluctant to move employees to an online benefits marketplace.

It is not unheard of for violations to cost a company millions of dollars plus attorney’s fees. An employer could also end up paying for their ex-employees’ health coverage if premiums are collected improperly.

The robo advisory firm will use the capital for investment in its 401(k) business, says Jon Stein, the company’s founder and CEO.

Increased demand and use of technology are among the insights revealed by Chestnut Global Partners in its analysis of employee assistance programs.