Insurance

The Affordable Care Act does not appear to have seriously eroded employees’ appetite for and confidence in receiving health benefits from their employer.

Despite the trend towards online enrollment, employers who deploy a self-service enrollment for their workforce often discover that it can backfire, resulting in frustrated employees.

In light of federal rules issued late last year, some types of skinny health plans are dead. But are all skinny plans dead? Maybe they just need to bulk up a bit.

Advisers need to stay current on technology regulations to help employers, many of which are using multiple IT systems — a strategy that could lead to penalties.

Despite predictions that private exchange enrollment will hit 30 million in 2017, employers remain cautious about them, including those early adopters who say they had little choice but to move to one.

If your flexible spending account plan had a year-end deadline of Dec. 31, employees could still have more time to use their leftover FSA funds, if you offer a grace period.

Commentary: The Supreme Court justices were very active in questioning both parties, although the most probing questions were aimed at the plaintiffs — plus one often overlooked consequence should the court decide in the plaintiffs' favor.

Can employees stressed out about their personal finances be as productive as those who are not? Not likely.

Commentary: Sometimes the market changes in a way where these size businesses may be better positioned for success. Now may be that time, says tech adviser Joe Markland.

Private exchanges present an opportunity to engage employees in their health plans year-round, not just during open enrollment.

HSS should extend these plans to employers with fewer than 100 employees as scheduled, Small Business Majority CEO says.

A Supreme Court decision in favor of the petitioner in King v. Burwell could trigger the end of the employer mandate, legal experts say, but it’s far from certain how the court will decide.

The Multi-State Plan program created under the Affordable Care Act may actually lead to further consolidation of the health insurance industry rather than increase competition through the public exchanges.

With the Supreme Court set to hear King v. Burwell today, subsidies in the federal health care exchange could be eliminated for millions of enrollees. Leading up to this, Employee Benefit Adviser and Employee Benefit News have covered the story from all angles. Here is a roundup of our coverage in the case.

The Supreme Court today will hear arguments in King v. Burwell, the highly anticipated case challenging the legality of subsidies available for individuals purchasing health insurance on the federal exchange under the Affordable Care Act.

Commentary: As independent health insurance agents, you can help your clients understand how taxes and health insurance intersect, building your credibility as a knowledgeable agent in the process. These guidelines will help you prepare your clients for a smooth tax season.

Commentary: Brokers who can step in and learn the business of voluntary benefits and some of the newer products hitting the market will be well-suited to bring in new clients and keep them protected against financial loss with a combination of relevant and cost-efficient solutions, says AmWINS' Sam Fleet.

Commentary: There’s a lot for your clients to consider when carefully managing intermittent leaves. The Standard's Lincoln Dirks goes in-depth on the paperwork that outlines the parameters for an absence — certifications and recertifications.

Critical illness insurance is among the fastest growing voluntary benefits, but it’s also among the most difficult to grasp for employees. In developing its new CI insurance line, Trustmark did research to better understand the market.

Supreme Court to hear oral arguments this week in a case challenging the legality of tax credits to purchase health insurance under the ACA.