Practice management

There may be a convergence of public and private exchanges and if that happens carriers need to adopt a more holistic approach and consider multiple retail channels to distribute their products as part of a multi-carrier approach or alliances such as those seen within the CO-OP market.

Commentary: More disclosures and transparency is not a bad thing, but how does this ruling truly help make things easier to understand and provide the leadership needed for retirement readiness, asks EBA columnist John Ludwig.

Commentary: Technology is easily duplicated. Even for those who excel at it, technology is not their greatest asset. Brand, marketing and service model make a company.

The DOL this week published its highly anticipated proposed rule to expand the types of retirement advice covered by fiduciary protections. What will that mean for advisers and their employer clients?

Commentary: In the popular Netflix series, the main character schemes his way to the pinnacle of power in Washington. Despite his despicable character, viewers cheering him along. But why? Columnist Nelson Griswold suggests a reason that is relevant to your business practice.

After nearly five years of waiting, the DOL has released its proposal to amend the regulation governing ERISA’s fiduciary definition. The proposed fiduciary rule aims to expand fiduciary duties to those who provide investment advice. With expert analysis and reaction, EBA is covering the highly anticipated unveiling of the rule. Here you can find our complete coverage on the proposed rule.

The Affordable Care Act has increased the burden for benefit professionals and forced employers to alter their business practices to comply with the health care reform law, industry experts told Congress.

It’s not often a company finds itself in a market position where it has the flexibility and agility of a newcomer, along with a storied history that provides name recognition and a solid base of existing expertise. Global financial services giant AXA is in this sweet spot as it enters the U.S. employee benefit business for the first time.

Consumer expectations demand advisers establish an online presence, LIMRA research shows. Financial advisory firms are stepping up to meet the demand, and following 3 critical steps to achieve social media success.

Commentary: If you can’t articulate your marketing position clearly in two or three sentences, value-conscious prospects and clients certainly are not going to take the time to figure it out, says columnist Jack Kwicien.

Even when using a TPA, plan sponsors must retain documentation for loans and hardship withdrawals, IRS says.

Enrollment in private health care exchanges hit 6 million for the 2015 plan year, according to Accenture — doubling the 3 million figure from 2014. Most of the growth is in the mid-market segment.

Some universities that provide health insurance to their students are stopping the practice, as they say the Affordable Care Act’s minimal essential health benefits requirements have led to unsustainable cost increases. Those that remain are turning to their brokers to determine the best way to continue offering coverage to their students.

Employees of all ages want disability coverage, but rising health care costs, stagnant wages and cost-shifting keep participation rates low.

Commentary: Additional benefits or coverages that adapt to an employer’s needs can create a niche offering that often can help employers think holistically about their employees’ financial future, says The Standard’s Breanna Scott.

Commentary: The quality of writing that appears on a brokerage’s website, newsletters and even social media needs to improve to represent the industry in a more client-centric, modern and sophisticated way, says Wendy Keneipp.

NIPR says 2014 was a record year for processing transactions and inquiries, highlighting the industry’s need and desire for streamlined licensing for benefit brokers and agents.

Commentary: Our minds tell us we’re on the right track, that we’ve got a winner. Unfortunately, we don’t even know we’ve been tricked and it all results in costly and embarrassing missed opportunities, says sales expert John Graham.

As 403(b) plans look more like 401(k)s, plan sponsors are turning to advisers to help with plan design and administration.

Commentary: Yes, employers can distribute plan documents electronically, but they must follow the rules, and don’t assume intranet posting is enough — because it is not.