Healthcare costs

Ex-president of Eli Lilly's U.S. arm, Alex Azar, was confirmed to head the Department of Health and Human Services, setting a permanent replacement for Tom Price.

President James Klein spoke with EBA about the organization’s agenda, now that Cadillac tax implementation is delayed another two years.

The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage Family Caregivers Act aims to create a strategy for employers and employees who support loved ones.

Companies should consider adjusting workloads and provide workers with a flexible schedule so they can go to doctors’ appointments.

Employer groups applaud pushing ACA provision’s implementation to 2022 in funding bill, call for full repeal.

The problem can result in financial burdens and lost productivity for employees, but companies can provide support services and tools, including an advocacy service through the benefits plan.

This could include providing employees with a flexible schedule to attend doctors’ appointments and/or adjusting their workload.

Benefit groups applaud inclusion of the measure in House bill, expect it will still pass when Congress eventually reaches a deal.

The due dates for filing with the IRS remain unchanged for now, but advisers and clients must monitor developments that may repeal or modify rules.

The CVS-Aetna deal, for example, would have the potential to take over costly, and previously difficult-to-control, primary care costs.