Self-insured rate hike half that of fully insured plans
Willis Towers Watson report tracks marketplace trends for 2017, including positive signs for business growth.
Practice and client management
The politics of rising ACA premiums
Rising Affordable Care Act premiums are a hot election topic, but political fallout from the law will be felt long after the election.
Investing in client loyalty brings ‘huge’ ROI
A loyal employer will spend more money and renew more quickly, according to research.
Benefits Think Navigating 5 critical retirement risks
These factors have turned retirement into the ultimate obstacle course and it’s up to advisers to help clients navigate it successfully, says MDRT’s Curtis Cloke.
Curtis Cloke
Thrive Income Distribution System LLC
The politics of rising ACA premiums
Rising Affordable Care Act premiums are a hot election topic, but political fallout from the law will be felt long after the election.
Benefits Think How to boost web traffic with on-page SEO
Benefit consultants don’t need to be code jockeys to improve their search engine results. Rick Ramos advises how to reach the top of the Google heap.
Rick Ramos
HealthJoy
How to build a larger business network with Facebook groups
One owner became the largest agent in his area in just three years by using social media and offering services to his community that in turn boost his overall sales.
Strategies that will give brokers an email edge
Subject line and follow-up are the most important elements of an electronic composition, explains Jeremiah Desmarais of Agency Growth Academy.
Mobile strategy is a must-have to attract and retain customers
Agencies that have a mobile app are more likely to acquire new clients, according to a Google study.
7 ways agency owners can take charge and increase sales
These steps, including knowing the ideal client, can double business, explains consultant Bill Gough.
Benefits Think 3 ways brokers can leverage technology to manage benefits customization
Helping employees make the right choice from among dozens of options is one of the most important services advisers can offer says Connecture’s Joe Donlan.
Joseph Donlan
Connecture Inc.
Benefits Think 14 everyday attitudes that kill success
A chip on the shoulder or always playing it safe will stop career advancement in its tracks, says sales consultant John Graham.
John Graham
GrahamComm
How Hodges-Mace encourages employees to own their open enrollment
To improve the onboarding experience, co-CEOs Greg Hodges and Peter Mace share how they advise clients through targeted questions.
M&A frenzy said to squeeze smaller agencies
But indie sellers are also often eager to return after non-compete clauses expire.
Public sector employers focused on stability in benefits
New research shows how the education and state government industries see their benefit offerings developing.
Benefits Think 6 reasons employers hate renewals (and what to do about it)
It’s often a dreaded process, but advisers have the power to make it less frustrating, says Dynamis CEO Andy Nunemaker.
Andy Nunemaker
Dynamis Software Corp.
Benefits Think Why — and how — advisers should talk to clients about juvenile life insurance
Assumptions about this product, such as lack of employee interest, are not accurate, says Colonial Life’s Pam Jenkins.
Pam Jenkins
Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company.
ADP wants to meet employers where they are with its private exchange
Many marketplaces were created with assumptions that didn’t always take client needs and desires into account, says ADP’s Will Giaconia.
Benefits Think Key deliverables in ACA implementation
Advisers must stay on top of reporting requirements under health reform, says Benefit Advisors Networks’ Perry Braun, without ignoring other legislation.
Benefits Think The future of retirement is now — time to get ready
Next year is gearing up to be a notable year of change for the plan sponsor with the DOL’s fiduciary ruling set to take effect, says columnist John Ludwig.
John Ludwig
LHD Retirement