Healthcare costs

The healthcare industry is focused on utilization prediction and cost transparency tools, but something quite basic is missing: Teaching people basic terms that they need to know to make informed decisions, says Airbo’s Vlad Gyster.

Depending on factors like demographics, geography, environment, and heredity, the healthcare-needs profile of an employee base can vary widely, even between companies in the same industry, says AdminaHealth’s Arthur Jonokuchi.

Employees are unsure of how to choose benefits and save for medical expenses, according to Alegeus research.

It's been historically low, but that is starting to change as utilization picks up, explains Aon Chief Health Actuary Tim Nimmer. Watch as he shares what is behind the shift.

Advisers can help employees who, an Alegeus report shows, are unsure of how to choose benefits and save for expenses.

One reason for the shift includes more plan sponsors implementing high-performance networks with more limited provider choices, according to PwC’s Health Research Institute.

A multiple-choice health benefit trivia contest is a much better way to educate and engage employees, according to Quizzify’s Al Lewis.

A multiple-choice health benefit trivia contest is a much better way to educate and engage employees, according to Quizzify’s Al Lewis.

Data platforms can give plan sponsors critical information at a glance, according to Geneia’s Mark Caron.

Data platforms can give plan sponsors critical information at a glance and provide valuable insight into emergency department use and disease management program participation, according to Geneia’s Mark Caron.

As plan sponsors try to reduce the costs associated with healthcare claims, many are turning to spousal surcharges or eliminating spousal coverage altogether, according to recent research from actuarial firm Conrad Siegel.

Remote connections can greatly expand access to care for more people, allowing patients to see a doctor from almost anywhere, says physician Tania Elliott.

Self-funding is the first step to reducing health plan costs without sacrificing quality, but plan sponsors can go even further by unbundling services, according to AdminaHealth’s Arthur Jonokuchi.

Employers host a variety of valuable employee data such as age range, marital status and more; they should take advantage of the insight it can provide, says Thompson Online Benefits’ Brenden Mielke.

A reduction in employer contributions and rising prescription drug costs are drivers of growth in healthcare costs, according to new data from consulting and actuarial firm Milliman.

Employers host a variety of valuable employee data such as age range, marital status, number of dependants and more, yet many are not able to take advantage of the insight it can provide, says Brenden Mielke of Thomsons Online Benefits.

A reduction in employer contributions and rising prescription drug costs are drivers of growth in healthcare costs, according to new data from consulting and actuarial firm Milliman.

Most organizations have come to terms with the Affordable Care Act, but repeal of the Cadillac tax still appears on many wish lists.

DOL outlines companies’ obligation under the statute, but still leaves many issues unresolved, says attorney Jeff Nowak.

These basic plans are easy to administer and more affordable than fully insured plans, while still meeting legislated requirements under the ACA.