Healthcare benefits

Premiums for the second-lowest-cost silver plans are going up by an average of 7.5% next year in the 37 states that use a U.S.-run website, HHS says.

Effective behavior change programs are likely to be based on theory and evidence and built on years of scientific research – not on employer demands, personal preferences or bells-and-whistles technology.

Employers can play an influential role in shaping their benefit design so that it encourages employees to look at high-value providers and use tools that help make the health care decision-making process more transparent.

Every senior benefits executive knows almost exactly how much health care is directly costing their business. But do they know how much health care is costing them indirectly in lost productivity, even when employees are on the job?

The professional employer organization industry is experience massive growth, but the co-employment arrangement isn’t right for everyone. Here are the benefits of a PEO and the red flags to watch out for.

The ACA’s 2018 Cadillac tax looms large in the minds of employers and benefit experts have already begun to see trends in the plan design options and benefit offering changes employers have made to avoid the hefty excise tax.

Commentary: It’s important for employees to have someone to help support them during this time. Your clients are in the perfect position to offer that type of assistance.

As we head into the heart of renewal season, that old fear of receiving a surprise from your broker or carrier is likely sneaking into the back of your mind. There’s a better way: Performing a checkup on your benefits plan to make sure it’s as healthy as it can be.

As employers grapple with how best to provide quality benefits for employees and comply with the Affordable Care Act, they’re seeking out new strategies. Captives are an interesting approach that can work for some plan sponsors.

Commentary: Pharma will feel the pain of regulation sooner than they expected, adviser Craig Hasday predicts.

The technology company launches a new service for employers, Castlight Action, designed to help steer employees to the right health care at the right time.

Education is often hailed as the key to employee benefit satisfaction, but new research shows it also increases enrollment and employee engagement. Experts say advisers are well-positioned to expand employer education and communication strategies.

The potential cost increases due to offering transgender health benefits is minimal because the population is small, says Human Rights Campaign.

Confusion still surrounds the Affordable Care Act. Here are eight misconceptions about the health care law.

Commentary: Many employers don't know what their PBMs are doing today to actually manage their specialty drug programs, says Lockton's Sarah Martin. It's up to advisers to shine a light on PBM practices.

Some employers may think a grandiose set-up is required for an onsite clinic – with X-ray machines, pharmacies and a gaggle of physicians – but they really can be quite simple to set up and maintain.

The outline of the Republican's plan contains some similarities with the Affordable Care Act.

Drafting a strategic plan is the first step to combat soaring health care expenses impacting employees and employers, many of whom are turning to wellness programs and private exchanges to control costs.

Multinational organizations want to centrally administer their benefits, however, companies are struggling with employee engagement and communication, new research finds.

Although President Obama signed the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act this week, many employers the legislation is intended to protect remain in limbo.