Local outreach called key for state-run HIXs in 16
Best-performing state exchanges have thrived on strong, coordinated and targeted outreach, as well as enrollment-assistance programs that are embedded in the community.
Insurance
Valuations soaring for brokerages
Success on Wall Street and buyer demand has created a crazy marketplace right now.
Senate budget allows Republicans to seek ACA repeal
The U.S. Congress adopted a budget that will allow Republicans to bypass Democrats and send a repeal or revision of President Barack Obamas landmark 2010 health-care law to his desk.
Below trend cost increases prove private exchange staying power, Aon says
Employers using Aon Hewitts multi-carrier fully-insured private health care exchange experienced average annual health care cost savings more than 4% lower than industry projections.
Telehealth benefits gain wider acceptance
Remote access to care is expected to soar as telehealth offerings prove to be major time and money saver for employers.
As risk tolerance rises, more employers consider self-funding
Smaller companies and non-profits are among the organizations that are contemplating a switch in how they manage employee benefits.
Providing a comprehensive total employee benefits package
It's important for employees — even those who've been with the same company for years — to reevaluate their needs and make sure they’re getting the most out of the benefits you're offering.
Plan sponsors get serious about TDF selection
As target-date fund assets continue to skyrocket and as more 401(k) plans adopt auto-enrollment, plan sponsors are taking a taking a more measured approach to choosing the TDFs for their plans.
Individual market growth forcing small-group broker changes
Explosive growth in the individual market is forcing brokers who work with very small groups to change their business models and often receive less commission in the process.
Benefits Think Poor dental coverage takes a bite out of profits
Forty percent of Americans arent receiving regular dental care and its costing employers.
Public entities, voluntary benefits next up in retiree exchange market
A 9-million person market is a powerful one to tap. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which represents Blues plans across the country, is the latest to launch a retiree private HIX, coming this summer.
Can a zombie apocalypse improve wellness?
Employee engagement is the challenge of many wellness programs, but several companies have improved employee participation with gaming and, yes, zombies.
Benefits Think Health plans, network discounts and consumer choice
Commentary: Benefits professionals may understand concepts like self-insurance and network discounts, but how effectively are they communicating them to health plan participants?
Zack Pace
CBIZ
MetLife: The more benefits, the happier the employee
For employers, retention is now the main objective of providing benefits, according to MetLifes annual employee benefit trends study, which found that employees want more choice and education about the coverage thats offered.
Plan design changes required to curb rising Rx drug prices
Prescription drug prices continue to rise in 2015, compelling employers and their advisers to take action through innovative plan designs.
Health plan changes put added pressure on retirement savings
More employers are moving to a holistic benefits education approach that addresses health care and retirement savings at the same time.
Benefits Think New generation requires new retirement thinking
Commentary: To better serve millennials, the financial services community and 401(k) plan sponsors need to better understand the motivations of the typical member of this generation.
Kevin Boyles
Ascensus
Politicians agree on Cadillac tax repeal
Democrats and Republicans support repealing the tax, which will affect a disproportionate number of Americans, and is likely to miss its revenue projections, experts say.
How to match annuity interest with engagement
Employees report increased confidence in retirement readiness with lifetime income options, but few utilize such plans when offered by employers. Advisers can help match interest with engagement.
HMO-style plans dominate NY HIX market
Some New Yorkers can choose from more than a hundred health insurance products offered by more than a dozen insurers participating in the state-run health insurance exchange, depending on where they live, but theyre hard-pressed to find anything other than the HMO-style plans that dominate the landscape.