With nearly one-third of ACA CO-OPs gone, how solvent are those that remain?
Challenges are on the horizon for the non-profits, created by the Affordable Care Act presenting issues as well for the brokers who work with them.
Insurance
Technical glitch costly for Vermont exchange
A technical glitch with Vermont Health Connect dating back two years was finally corrected in a recent software upgrade, but it proved to be both time-consuming and costly for the state-based health insurance exchange described as once-beleaguered.
Advisers lobby Congress for same treatment as navigators
Brokers and agents are meeting with senators in an effort to garner support for the Equalizing the Playing Field for Agents and Brokers Act, which aims to offer advisers the same access to marketplace enrollment information as is available to navigators and certified assisters.
Benefits Think The myth about mandatory participation for voluntary benefits
Commentary: Many employers are struggling to get employees to enroll in voluntary programs; busy workers often dont take the time to understand whats being offered.
Companies interested in benefit exchanges want insurer-led solutions
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.
Kroger adds transgender benefits to health plan
The potential cost increases due to offering transgender health benefits is minimal because the population is small, says Human Rights Campaign.
More CO-OPs likely to cease operations
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.
How Gallagher is helping clients address rising medical costs
Drafting a strategic plan is the first step to combat soaring health care expenses impacting employees and employers, many of whom are turning to wellness programs and private exchanges to control costs.
Why the middle market will drive private exchange growth
The majority of growth in private exchanges into 2017 will be in the 100-999 employee segment, as companies seek to make defensive plays ahead of the Cadillac tax.
Some small employers remain in limbo on small-group definition
Although President Obama signed the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act this week, many employers the legislation is intended to protect remain in limbo.
New CA law requires insurers give notice on agent agreement changes
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.
Sticker shock of retiree health costs reinforces savings message
Employees who dont factor health care costs into their retirement planning could be in for a rude awakening.
CO-OP model under scrutiny with latest failure
With nearly two dozen CO-OPs created under the Affordable Care Act continuing their financial struggles, attention is turning toward why theyre experiencing such difficulties.
Changing the data flow of private exchanges
More choice through private exchanges means more complexity for employers, employees and brokers. What can be done to improve the process for all involved?
Benefits Think Good service or good grief?
Five ways to tell if your employees are getting the service they deserve from your benefits company.
Deb Rasmussen
Colonial Life and Unum US
How brokers can successfully offer skinny plans
Offering minimum essential coverage plans not only helps employers stay compliant with the ACA, it can also provide solid compensation for brokers and can lead to gap coverage sales.
Self-managed plans vs. private exchanges: Whats the future?
Teams of benefit experts debated each other on which type of plan is the future of employer-paid health care during a discussion Tuesday at EBAs Workplace Benefits Summit in Orlando.
Emerging strategies for brokers include voluntary benefit sales
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.
Health insurer consolidation threatens competition, but could spur innovation
High-profile merger and acquisition activity in the health insurance market has some employers squeamish about decreased competition and carrier responsiveness, but some industry experts say employers have methods for recourse.
Employer interest in DC health plans experiences surprising growth
Increased regulatory requirements and rising health care costs have spurred more employers to consider defined contribution health care plans, a trend industry experts at EBAs Workplace Benefits Summit say is a result of a more transformative approach to health care benefit strategy.