Healthcare plans

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?

Five ways to tell if your employees are getting the service they deserve from your benefits company.

Flexible spending accounts have long been a favorite tool among working Americans to help budget for out-of-pocket costs but they could be an unintended casualty of health care reform.

The tire and wheel retailer implements a telehealth option for employees, providing online access to care for minor ailments.

Everything from filling prescriptions to asking primary care questions can be done via online or over the phone, which can reduce medical claims, but only if employees are engaged in their plan.

Employers more than ever are seeking innovative solutions for health care cost containment from their benefit advisers, and one industry expert says emerging strategies to help brokers thrive in the coming decade should include voluntary benefit sales and plan integration.

Increased regulatory requirements and rising health care costs have spurred more employers to consider defined contribution health care plans, a trend industry experts at EBA’s Workplace Benefits Summit say is a result of a more transformative approach to health care benefit strategy.