Practice management

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.

Commentary: Because selling is a tough job, it’s often necessary to do things differently to close sales. Columnist John Graham shares six ways to go about it.

What gives brokers a competitive edge? In many cases, it’s giving clients the feeling that they are getting the maximum value for their investment in employee benefits.

If it “smells like a benefit plan,” you likely have to follow ERISA, said one speaker at the National Association of Health Underwriters annual convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. Here are some general tips benefit advisers need to know about complying with this law, for your clients and their employees alike.

While health plans with accompanying HSAs are becoming increasingly popular, there’s evidence that employees aren’t always seizing the opportunity to save, or save the maximum amount.

One speaker at the National Association for Health Underwriters annual conference Monday provided suggestions for brokers to protect their businesses, as well as increase referrals, when enrolling individuals and small businesses on the public marketplaces.

Kicking off the National Association for Health Underwriters annual meeting Monday, the group’s lead lobbyist outlined the current status of benefit brokers in the eyes of Washington, while a Republican politician discussed potential outcomes of the 2014 election.

According to one 401(k) expert’s poll, employees need to be saving 20% of their earnings for retirement. How they get there is where you come in.

While many brokers consider leaving the industry in response to the changing health care environment, most agree that reform has created a huge opportunity for advisers willing to adapt.

Road to Workplace Benefits Mania: Ahead of the July conference, speaker Scott Snow says that most employers have a large health care cost problem and aren’t aware that many employees have working spouses who can be covered by their own plan.

Blogger Mark Gaunya breaks down these concepts as they relate to client and prospect relationships in today's ever-changing business world. Follow his principles and tips for improving in these areas.

When he ran for president in 1988, Michael Dukakis infused the phrase “Massachusetts Miracle” into stump speeches to describe the state’s economic transformation. That same description could apply if a costly and controversial plan to fix the state’s Connector exchange succeeds.