Healthcare costs

Senate Republicans anxiously awaiting a key analysis of their revised health bill have more time to wait, and debate on the controversial measure that had been expected this week.

New data technologies are making it possible for even the smallest employers to fund their own health plans

The latest legislation retains a number of pro-business aspects from the earlier draft, including a delay of the Cadillac tax, removal of employer mandate penalties and expanding and enhancing HSAs.

One key point on the journey toward success is to avoid operational HR leaders and track down prospects’ CFOs first, says columnist Nelson Griswold.

Advisers beware: With this acquisition, the online retailing juggernaut has set its sights on healthcare.

Some GOP proposals, such as emphasis on HSAs and association health plans, could help put the industry on a more stable footing.

The Affordable Care Act removed a key constraint by making cost-effective healthcare available outside of full-time employment, which gave people many more options around retirement and work.

Senate Republicans’ revised proposal to replace Obamacare would provide an added $70 billion to stabilize insurance exchanges over a decade compared with an earlier version.

Most hope key elements of the healthcare law, including coverage of pre-existing conditions and preventive care services, will remain intact.

Some GOP proposals, such as emphasis on HSAs and association health plans, could help put the industry on a more stable footing.

The Affordable Care Act removed a key constraint by making cost-effective healthcare available outside of full-time employment, which gave people many more options around retirement and work.

With high medical prices causing many workers to contribute less to their 401(k)s, plan sponsors should encourage employees to consolidate savings in their current-employer plan to help them in their post-work years.

Senate Republican leaders plan to unveil a revised version of their healthcare bill later this week after making little progress on winning over party holdouts.

If ACA repeal efforts result in the provision’s elimination, most large organizations will continue to offer rich coverage, but smaller ones aren’t so sure.

With high medical prices causing many workers to contribute less to their 401(k)s, plan sponsors should encourage employees to consolidate savings in their current-employer plan to help them in their post-work years.

Companies would welcome the elimination of 'costly and time consuming' provisions including the employer mandate, the Cadillac tax and reporting requirements.

As more sectors of the workforce adopt high-deductible plans, employers should ensure employees are aware of income-protecting voluntary benefit choices.

With nearly half of retirees saying medical costs is their biggest concern, employers are beefing up voluntary benefits and promoting HSAs to help employees prepare for their post-work years.

Healthcare continues to vex Republicans, with the demands of conservatives, moderates, the Senate parliamentarian and the public at large seemingly incapable of being reconciled.

As more sectors of the workforce adopt high-deductible plans, advisers should ensure employees are aware of income-protecting voluntary benefit choices.