Healthcare plans

As employers face growing challenges trying to balance employees’ well-being with containing benefits-related company costs, many are seeking guidance on how to manage the administrative and compliance requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

The U.S. is “drowning” in over-diagnosis and over-treatment and workplace wellness programs are partly to blame, said a wellness industry expert during a debate at the Population Health Alliance conference in Washington, D.C.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 will repeal the Affordable Care Act’s provision requiring employers with more than 200 employees to automatically enroll full-time workers in a health plan if coverage isn't voluntarily chosen or declined by the employee.

Insurers believe value-added services such as tools and advocacy programs, in addition to being an incumbent carrier, make a consumer choose them. But, a new analysis reveals what really drives choice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nearly three-quarters of employers who have yet to move to a private benefit exchange would consider or are looking for an insurance carrier-sponsored exchange — not one led by an independent company or consultant, new research finds.

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.

Tennessee CO-OP becomes latest to shut down, with more expected to announce closure before the next public exchange enrollment period begins in the next two weeks.

Open enrollment is often the busiest time of year for benefits professionals. These tips from industry experts will help benefits pros keep their stress levels in check and avoid benefits burnout during open enrollment.

The merging of health benefits and retirement planning on an exchange platform is a trend worth taking note of.

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

Carving out FSAs, HSAs and HRAs from the Affordable Care Act’s excise tax would be a good compromise, enabling Americans to set aside money for health care while still allowing employers to control costs.

Whether a simple health risk assessment or a complex incentive plan, employee wellness programs have become a fixture of the modern workplace.

California becomes the first state in the country to mandate 45-day notice for any material changes to agent agreements. The law comes in response to two insurers cutting commission with little notice mid-enrollment season.

With nearly two dozen CO-OPs created under the Affordable Care Act continuing their financial struggles, attention is turning toward why they’re experiencing such difficulties.

More choice through private exchanges means more complexity for employers, employees and brokers. What can be done to improve the process for all involved?