Will Cadillac tax steamroll FSAs?
Flexible spending accounts have long been a favorite tool among working Americans to help budget for out-of-pocket costs but they could be an unintended casualty of health care reform.
Healthcare benefits
How 6 key trends are driving the employee benefits landscape
Advisers hoping to remain relevant in a changing health care and benefits landscape must shift product offerings to meet industry trends. Rick Lindquist, president of Zane Benefits, discusses 6 key industry trends to watch.
How Discount Tire/Americas Tire uses telemedicine
The tire and wheel retailer implements a telehealth option for employees, providing online access to care for minor ailments.
How telehealth can save employers money
Everything from filling prescriptions to asking primary care questions can be done via online or over the phone, which can reduce medical claims, but only if employees are engaged in their plan.
Senate passes bill to repeal ACA small group market expansion
The Senate today passed legislation that makes possible a repeal of the ACAs controversial expansion of the definition of a small employer, the bill now goes to President Obamas desk to be signed into law.
ACA tweaks help small employers, but add confusion
Affordable Care Act adjustments offer relief for small employer compliance challenges, but proposed solutions may also create confusion for employers and their advisers. One legal expert shares what to expect from Washington and how to prepare for ACA compliance.
Emerging strategies for brokers include voluntary benefit sales
Employers more than ever are seeking innovative solutions for health care cost containment from their benefit advisers, and one industry expert says emerging strategies to help brokers thrive in the coming decade should include voluntary benefit sales and plan integration.
Health insurer consolidation threatens competition, but could spur innovation
High-profile merger and acquisition activity in the health insurance market has some employers squeamish about decreased competition and carrier responsiveness, but some industry experts say employers have methods for recourse.
The human element of technology
Devices and applications are impacting health care, but its crucial not to overlook the human aspect of technology, says Healthways Chris Dancy.
Benefits Think 5 tips for more effective open enrollment communications
Communicating health care and other benefits to employees is no simple task, but it is increasingly vital for companies to do it and to do it well.
The long regulatory road trip for benefits professionals
Benefits professionals have been on a never-ending regulatory road trip since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010 and employers everywhere are asking are we there yet?
Employer interest in DC health plans experiences surprising growth
Increased regulatory requirements and rising health care costs have spurred more employers to consider defined contribution health care plans, a trend industry experts at EBAs Workplace Benefits Summit say is a result of a more transformative approach to health care benefit strategy.
Benefits Think Boosting benefits enrollment with technology
Enrollment season is upon us, making it prime time for benefits carriers to unveil new and different ways to engage employees and help them make their benefits decisions.
Alvin Heggie
Sun Life Financial
Are employers offering the open enrollment tools their employees want?
Adviser help is sorely needed to lessen employer/employee disconnect during open enrollment. Recent research from Aflac shows tools and resources that employees find useful are not always made available by their employers, further complicating an already confusing process.
House votes unanimously to repeal ACA small group market expansion
The House has agreed to pass legislation that makes possible a repeal of the ACAs controversial expansion of the definition of a small employer a bill hailed by the benefits industry for protecting the small and mid-size businesses they feel the expansion threatens to harm.
The military angle: A unique way for brokers to help reduce medical costs
Offering a supplemental plan for retired military employees can save employers from potential claims and it also helps brokers add value to their clients and increase their book of business.
NY to shut ACA co-op with $265 million in loans
Health Republic Insurance of New York, the Affordable Care Act insurer that got $265 million in U.S. loans, will stop selling policies and eventually cease operations under orders from New York and federal regulators.
How EY improved EAP effectiveness, utilization
EY, formerly Ernst & Young, takes an integrated approach with its comprehensive employee assistance program, EY Assist.
Benefits Think 7 ways for brokers to make the most of benefit enrollment communications
Commentary: Continue to provide value-added personal service to your clients with these practical tips for marketing benefit programs, says ThinkHR's Laura Kerekes.
Benefits Think The case for high performance health care
Can business leaders be coaxed into focusing on the serious economic threat posed by unbridled health care excesses?
Brian Klepper
Worksite Health Advisors