Practice management

Founded by his father on the principle of specialty servicing in 1956, Mike Lewer’s business model is set to distinguish his brokerage team with post-ACA success for years to come.

With health care costs continuing to rise, it’s no surprise to benefit advisers that their employer clients continue to seek benefit solutions that shift some of the cost burden to their employees — and new data reveals that trend shows no signs of stopping.

The bill that would establish a federal clearinghouse for state-by-state broker and agent licensing has successfully passed the U.S. Senate as an amendment to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, known as TRIA. It was previously left off another insurance industry bill at this point in the process.

A proposal up for vote in the most populous state would give the insurance commissioner veto power over health insurance rates, among other things, and has brokers fearful of the trend spreading to other states.

Road to Workplace Benefits Mania: Ahead of the July conference, speaker Harry Gottlieb discusses the need for stronger benefits communication including the problems that arise when it’s not present, and how to fix this crucial element for the benefit of your clients’ employees.

With voluntary benefit sales on the rise, experts in the field discuss the broker mindset on a range of products and the carriers that offer them.

Your sales tactics need to change depending on the economic outlook of the times. Columnist Jack Kwicien outlines these sales tips so that you can be optimally adaptive, flexible and prepared for any challenge that comes your way.

The bipartisan effort to jumpstart federal job training efforts is expected to benefit private employers thirsty for more input into how their future workforces are trained and educated.

Road to Workplace Benefits Mania: Ahead of the July conference, speaker Mark Mikelat provides tips for improving your branding as a broker.

The status of payments to brokers for their work signing up consumers across the nation varies from state to state and broker to broker, with some missing nearly 50% of commissions and others reporting no problems whatsoever.

Commentary: The importance of the online marketing strategy cannot be overstated, says columnist Mel Schlesinger. Whether you realize it or not, he says, your prospects are going online and learning what they can about you before they ever actually meet with you.

An increase in the offering of consumer-driven health care products has not translated into increased understanding on the part of consumers — exposing a need for more assistance from benefit professionals and educational tools.

A day in the life of benefit adviser Eric Blofsky of (k)ornerstone 401(k) Services.

As media interest in health insurance exchanges decreases over time, the insurance industry may need to develop more effective communications to reach the uninsured.

Millions more Americans have gained coverage as a result of the health reform law, increasing the workload for benefit advisers, but not necessarily the compensation they receive.

It’s time to nominate your outstanding colleagues — or yourself — for Employee Benefit Adviser’s 2014 Adviser of the Year awards!

Commentary: Allowing direct access between carrier resources and clients won’t just save you time — it can help reduce instances of disability in the workplace, says The Standard’s Brian Kost. Addressing issues early can help clients diminish the need for an employee to file a disability claim at all, he says.

As reports of more DOL audits continue to spook benefit advisers into talking compliance with their clients, employers are confirming that they, too, are fearful of federal agencies’ monitoring.

A recent increase in formations of employee stock ownership plans, known as ESOPs, has put the spotlight on the combined employee benefit and small business management succession tool that has been in existence since 1956.

Commentary: Exchanges have been successful for retiree coverage. But, will they work for core coverage? Frenkel Benefits’ Craig Hasday shares points to consider with your clients.