Healthcare benefits

Three hundred large hospital systems are teaming up to control rising drug costs. But even their firepower might not be enough.

A rumored acquisition could give the nation’s largest employer control of healthcare for its 1.5 million U.S. employees, drive down costs and increase the number of employers looking to disrupt the industry.

For small to midsize employers, these vehicles provide numerous advantages previously only available to larger enterprises.

Three of the country’s most important companies have allied to take control of their healthcare costs.

Advisers take note: Industry expert Lindsay Resnick says runaway costs are driving employers of all stripes to reject the benefit market’s status quo.

Medical trend, workforce health and operational efficiency and employee productivity are three key metrics to consider when evaluating ROI.

Despite arguments to the contrary, the combination is unlikely to lower prescription costs for employers or employees.

Because marijuana is still treated as an illegal substance at the federal level, providers don’t get the same write-offs as other federally regulated business.

Addiction recovery costs are skyrocketing for companies, but employee education on drug usage can help stem the tide.

Making tweaks to your health savings account communications strategy can increase employee enrollment and contributions.

Making tweaks to your health savings account communications strategy can increase employee enrollment and contributions.

Addressing musculoskeletal disorders could cut presenteeism and other medical costs in large and small workplaces.

A rumored acquisition could give the nation’s largest employer control of healthcare for its 1.5 million U.S. employees, drive down costs and increase the number of employers looking to disrupt the industry.

These vehicles are already popular, but advisers can help encourage even greater participation and savings.

Addressing musculoskeletal disorders could cut presenteeism and other medical costs in large and small workplaces.

Hailed as a more rational way for employers to pay for healthcare, the case highlight’s the strategy’s risks.

Thanks to a higher level of scrutiny from regulators, many insurers also act as financial managers and this leads employers to find elective benefit alternatives.

Three hundred large hospital systems are teaming up to control rising drug costs. But even their firepower might not be enough.

Without having done much yet, Amazon.com is already transforming U.S. healthcare – and not necessarily for the better.