Voluntary benefits

Benefit experts and thought leaders will discuss some of the most important and possibly industry-changing trends for the coming year at this year’s Workplace Benefits Renaissance in Atlantic City, Feb. 24-26.

More employers are adding CI to their voluntary benefits package to combat rising out-of-pocket costs.

Consumers cite complex language, lack of time as roadblocks to making a purchase, study finds.

An emerging company policy known as “unlimited vacation” or “unlimited PTO” (paid time-off) is gaining headlines again. What is unlimited vacation? Why are companies implementing it? And what are its pros and cons?

Commentary: Bundled MEC plans insure workers while helping employers avoid new penalties, says Sam Fleet.

This relatively inexpensive voluntary benefit is not only highly-appreciated by employees, it can act as a differentiator in a benefit adviser’s sales portfolio.

Commentary: Boomers are redefining what it means to be aging in the workforce, and redefining senior benefits in the process.

Commentary: To survive the ongoing thinning of the herd, columnist Nelson Griswold asks what are you planning to do differently in 2015 to remain relevant to your clients and grow your business?

Some still confused by the ACA and look to advisers for guidance, help implementing plans.

The disability and absence management landscape continues to undergo significant change. Here are five trends to watch for in 2015.

Industry experts offer their 2015 benefits predictions.

Voluntary benefit options gained popularity in 2014, providing solutions for employers and employees, as well as a business opportunity for benefit advisers.

Employers offering mass transit benefits should make note of recent changes to the allotted amount employees can take out pre-tax, a provision included in the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 which was signed by President Barack Obama on Dec. 19.

Welcome to the 5th annual edition of the ABC’s of Employee Benefits. Given the tremendous amount of activity and volatility in the employee benefits space, this version can be summed up in one sentence: Surround yourself with quality, interested, and engaged help or else 2015 will be a very long and painful year.

Employers who tap into the specific generational needs of their employees and address certain desires could provide an upswing in benefit enrollment.

Commentary: Out-of-pocket health care costs are higher than ever. What solutions can benefit advisers offer their employer clients?

Even though each situation is unique, there are a number of best practices for helping employees through reasonable accommodations.

It’s been a year of massive growth for private exchanges, with estimates of more than three million people receiving employer health benefits through them by mid-2014, according to business management consultancy Accenture. Yet, 2015 is expected to see even more growth and acquisitions.

As health consumerism continues to infiltrate employer-sponsored benefits, benefit advisers say that voluntary options have helped to limit out-of-pocket costs for employees and curtail overall costs for their employers.

With 2015 fast approaching, employee benefit decision makers are scrambling to ensure that they stay ahead of the curve – particularly as the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate kicks in next month.