Insurance

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.

The agents have completed mandatory training to sell on the federally-facilitated marketplace for 2016, with 10,000 more in the process. For the first time, producers can train through non-government organizations, including NAHU and AHIP.

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.

Every senior benefits executive knows almost exactly how much health care is directly costing their business. But do they know how much health care is costing them indirectly in lost productivity, even when employees are on the job?

Commentary: As college costs continue to rise and student loan debt reaches unprecedented levels, a 529 plan can offer a valuable benefit for employees looking to meet their college savings objectives.

The ACA’s 2018 Cadillac tax looms large in the minds of employers and benefit experts have already begun to see trends in the plan design options and benefit offering changes employers have made to avoid the hefty excise tax.

As public health insurance exchanges run by states or in partnership with the federal government edge toward financial self-sufficiency in 2016 as stipulated under the Affordable Care Act, adjustments are being made to achieve greater operational efficiencies for their third annual open-enrollment season and beyond.

As employers grapple with how best to provide quality benefits for employees and comply with the Affordable Care Act, they’re seeking out new strategies. Captives are an interesting approach that can work for some plan sponsors.

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.

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.”

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.

Commentary: Many employers are struggling to get employees to enroll in voluntary programs; busy workers often don’t take the time to understand what’s being offered.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.