Practice management

Lockton is stepping up its analytics game with two major appointments. Justin VanOpdorp has been elevated to the position of chief analytics officer, and Mark Moitoso joins the company as SVP and analytics practice leader after a 25-year career at Liberty Mutual Insurance.

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.

Commentary: Failure to give proper notice of a plant closing or mass layoff could leave employers liable to pay wages and benefits for the affected employees for up to 60 days.

Commentary: Many employers don't know what their PBMs are doing today to actually manage their specialty drug programs, says Lockton's Sarah Martin. It's up to advisers to shine a light on PBM practices.

The use of technology is not just novel in the benefits industry anymore, it’s imperative. Benefit adviser Steve Williams predicted its usefulness over a decade ago and he and his team have used technology solutions to help transform Heffernan Insurance into one of the largest independent brokerage firms.

Financial services programs are topping the list of non-insurance offerings from employers, who recognize the impact such stress can have on productivity.

Commentary: After a terrific phone conversation, a prospect hangs up before booking an appointment. Consider sending a handwritten note to thank them for hanging up on you, and you just may close the sale, says adviser Eric Silverman.

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.

Multinational organizations want to centrally administer their benefits, however, companies are struggling with employee engagement and communication, new research finds.

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.

When addressing group disability coverage, brokers should speak of real-life situations to convey the importance of such plans.

Commentary: Employers need to tread carefully when developing policies regarding their employees’ use of social media. In particular, employers who have employees in multiple states should familiarize themselves with the rules governing the areas in which they operate.

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.

More choice through private exchanges means more complexity for employers, employees and brokers. What can be done to improve the process for all involved?

Commentary: Statistics show this is an industry that doesn’t believe in social selling. Too many agencies are not meeting goals at the same time they are rejecting social selling business practices.

Advisers hoping to remain relevant in a changing health care and benefits landscape must shift product offerings to meet industry trends. Rick Lindquist, president of Zane Benefits, discusses 6 key industry trends to watch.

Teams of benefit experts debated each other on which type of plan is the future of employer-paid health care during a discussion Tuesday at EBA’s Workplace Benefits Summit in Orlando.

Employers more than ever are seeking innovative solutions for health care cost containment from their benefit advisers, and one industry expert says emerging strategies to help brokers thrive in the coming decade should include voluntary benefit sales and plan integration.

High-profile merger and acquisition activity in the health insurance market has some employers squeamish about decreased competition and carrier responsiveness, but some industry experts say employers have methods for recourse.

Devices and applications are impacting health care, but it’s crucial not to overlook the human aspect of technology, says Healthways’ Chris Dancy.