Executive benefits market is on the upswing
The executive benefits market is off and running again after the economic downturn.
Marketing
‘Virtually no downside’ to FSA ruling, experts say
Flexible spending account advocates expect most employers to embrace rollover provision.
ACA dental changes confusing for employers and advisers
The ACA's pediatric dental requirement brings increased attention to this popular benefit.
A day in the life of Wayne Sakamoto
Wayne Sakamoto of Naples, Fla. works hard to keep up with the ACA.
No one has paid for coverage on Covered California yet, broker says
A broker and former Golden State-exchange staffer say that enrollment numbers do not reflect billing or payment.
Have you spoken to the carriers,’ Mr. President?
An agent explains the difficult steps that would need to be taken to renew canceled plans, while a health insurance trade group says the presidents announcement Thursday could destabilize the market.
Retirement advisers: DOL fiduciary rules still coming
Despite a recent show of political opposition, the U.S. Department of Labor seems poised to press ahead with a proposal to broaden the definition of fiduciary to cover advisers working in the retirement plan segment, a leading opponent of the measure warned on Monday.
Benefits Think Employee-sponsored health care enters big data age
Were living in the age of big data, so why has so little changed in how we make our health insurance decisions, asks Liazon co-founder Alan Cohen. The private exchange entrepreneur makes the case why benefits should meet technology.
Benefits Think 401(k)s: Its about outcomes, not features
Since the institution of 401(k) plans more than 30 years ago, 401(k) providers have escalated the number of plan features to stay competitive within the marketplace. But, in order to be successful today, selling features alone wont cut it, writes blogger Jerry Kalish.
CMS wants more brokers on exchanges
While the top exchange leader confirmed Tuesday that 70,000 agents have completed federal training, documents obtained by Republicans suggest CMS might begin outreach to get more professionals involved.
Benefits Think How to determine which clients are good candidates for self-funding
Business owners may have flirted with the concept of self-funding in the past, and may have even discussed it with their brokers, but implementation has been notoriously slow. That's about to change, writes blogger Sam Fleet.
Fiduciary standard, 401(k) enhancements touted by DOLs Borzi
The Department of Labor is apparently close to finishing its controversial work on establishing a fiduciary standard.
A personal case for selling group disability
One man is a walking example of the disability insurance he sells now he wants to reframe how brokers and employees view this benefit.
How independent brokers can select a private exchange
Nelson Griswold provides four tips for making sure you make the right decision for your client.
How to get ahead of technology innovation
John Lamb on two technologies that will help you keep pace with advancements.
Start planning 2014 sales now
Jack Kwicien tells you what you need to do now to make 2014 a break-out sales year
EBAs 2013 Health Plan Adviser of the Year is David C. Smith
David C. Smith uses his deeply analytical outlook to deliver unique, cost-cutting results for clients and a new mindset to fellow advisers.
Long-term ACA glitches could mean a January budget disaster
Just how will the fight in Congress over health exchange website glitches pan out? EBA spoke with former Capitol Hill staffer Drew Crouch, now director of government relations at Buck Consultants, about potential Republican strategies and if tax reform that would impact employee benefits might still be on the table for this year.
State-run exchanges still not broker-friendly
The state-run exchanges in Washington and Kentucky have received positive press about their websites working in comparison to the federal, but brokers havent had much hand in the success.