Healthcare benefits

As more employers move to self-insure, carriers are in search of new value propositions.

CVS Health Corp. said it’s making progress in the regulatory review of its $68 billion deal to buy health insurer Aetna

The percentage of employers offering benefits including telemedicine, stress reduction programs and 24-hour nurse lines jump to accommodate an always-on workforce.

More are embracing the insurance model, as firms realize cost savings, plan flexibility and employee satisfaction that can manifest itself as soon as the first year after implementation.

But many advisers remain optimistic that the three-way partnership will succeed at restructuring healthcare costs.

H-E-B’s facilities boost workers’ investment in health and put a primary care mindset first.

Advisers need to guide their clients around these three obstacles.

Companies should build a culture of tolerance, educate employees so they can challenge misconceptions and offer benefits that make seeking care convenient and private.

Employers must take action to address the mental health among their employees.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association partnered with Teladoc to reach as many rural members as possible and increase healthcare engagement.

The percentage of employers offering benefits including telemedicine, stress reduction programs and 24-hour nurse lines jump to accommodate an always-on workforce.

A majority of employers and industry insiders surveyed by Venrock are worried the effort is going to “face substantial challenges and take lots of time.”

Many workers aren’t using their pre-tax dollars as wisely as they could. But employers can help them avoid inappropriate care with tools that support informed medical decision-making.

Concerns over privacy and reimbursement programs have cast a shadow on these popular and beneficial programs.

Many pharmacy benefit managers promote discounts and drug rebates that may look good on paper, but often provide no transparency of true costs. This can result in employers paying much more than they should.

A majority of employers and industry insiders surveyed by Venrock are worried the effort is going to “face substantial challenges and take lots of time.”

Concerns over privacy and reimbursement programs have cast a shadow on these popular and beneficial programs.

Many pharmacy benefit managers promote discounts and drug rebates that may look good on paper, but often provide no transparency of true costs. This can result in employers paying much more than they should.

Brokers can use advanced data analytics to drive partnerships with self-insured employers, says Advanced Plan for Health’s Neil Godbey.

Adviser Paula Beersdorf offers employers different routes to becoming self-insured.