Healthcare plans

The new cards allow consumers to earn rewards on health and wellness products.

The acquisition is one of UnitedHealth’s largest and is another step in expanding the company’s health services business under its Optum division. The companies said the combination would help simplify services around medical care to improve health outcomes and lower costs.

Haven, the joint health-care venture between Amazon.com Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co., plans to shut down at the end of February, a spokeswoman said.

With access to in-person support limited during COVID, digital treatment platforms like Quit Genius can help employees with drug and alcohol addictions seek the help they need.

The large self-insured healthcare provider network added new regions and partnered with programs to help consumers cope with quarantine challenges.

The pandemic forced many companies to allow employees to work from home, which created new challenges for employers and their workforce.

Proponents of the plans say they’re a good option for companies that may not feel they can afford to offer a traditional plan to workers but want to give them something to help with health care expenses. But consumer advocates are concerned they may shortchange some workers.

More than half of employees report feeling lonely while working from home, which impacts productivity, job performance and retention.

With the holiday season approaching, employees may be indulging more and focusing less. An employer-provided nutrition program can help workers practice healthy habits.