Commentary: Specific innovations in benefits administration software are paving the way and supplying the technological framework to a future primarily based in cyberspace rather than buildings filled with people.

The federal health insurance marketplace may have issued subsides to persons not eligible to receive them during the first open enrollment period, a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General has found.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has awarded consultancy Booz Allen Hamilton a $202 million contract to be the marketplace system integrator, or general contractor, which includes the federally-facilitated health insurance marketplace, parts of the state-run marketplaces and more.

Commentary: Brokers across the country have horror stories of Zenefits stealing their clients. So, columnist Nelson Griswold asks, what can a broker or adviser do to defend his book from Zenefits?

Connecticut’s AccessHealthCT is poised to become the nation’s first state-run marketplace that will be financially self-sustaining in 2016 when federal grants end for these online marketplaces as stipulated under the Affordable Care Act.

Commentary: The health care cost crisis needs to be addressed now. Enter applied predictive analytics.

With its streamlined technology platform and no fee business model, Zenefits has created quite a stir in the benefits industry. Should brokers be scared or should they be thanking Zenefits for pushing the envelope?

Health reform has put a spotlight on ben admin and HRIS systems, but there are many factors to consider when choosing a new platform, experts say.

Benefit advisers have an increasing responsibility to keep client data secure, says Tinker Kelly, president and CEO of VEBA. He explains practical prevention tips and what to do if a breach occurs.

Commentary: Brokers need to embrace technologies that allow them to work faster, smarter and more cost-effectively — here are 6 ways to streamline your business.

Commentary: Technology helps, but it does not replace the expertise and experience of a broker. Rather, it helps to elevate what the broker can supply to a level that is equal to consumer demand, says Zywave’s Dave O’Brien.

Commentary: There is no better time to be a broker, says Zywave’s Dave O’Brien.

Clients are turning to their benefit adviser for technology support — something brokers have to provide. Choosing a partner with the same goals and understanding the entire process are essential.

Zenefits has filed a motion to dismiss an anti-defamation lawsuit filed against it by payroll services giant ADP, continuing a heated row between the two companies that Zenefits says comes down to a a fight for “consumer choice.”

Commentary: It’s natural to fear that fewer insurance companies will mean less choice in health plans and less differentiation and innovation. But there is good news.

Employer clients and their employees expect innovative technology solutions to meet their needs, even when it comes to health care — and especially when it comes to private exchanges.

As small employers shift from group to individual coverage, private exchanges can be a useful tool to keep brokers competitive and maximize profits during the transition.

Commentary: By expanding our thinking and embracing technology, we have the opportunity to improve our efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the client experience. What are you going to implement in this brave new world, asks EBA Advisory Board member Andy Torelli.

Emerging technology platforms, an aging workforce and a turbulent regulatory environment in the employee benefits field can either be perceived as problems or opportunities. Considering I sold everything that I had to start my own practice, I opt for the latter. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “An aging population and changes in federal regulation may increase demand for agents who sell health and long-term care insurance.” It has been widely talked about that nearly…

Commentary: Many brokerages fear technology is going to replace them, so they hold on tighter and refuse to budge, says columnist Wendy Keneipp.