Narrow Networks, Tiered Plans May Reduce Costs
Inflation, an aging workforce and people catching up on care they skipped during the COVID-19 pandemic are some of the main ingredients that will drive the cost of group health benefits over the coming years. The key for employers grappling with
Many Injured Workers Feel Unsupported, Frustrated by Claims Process
A recent study has found that injured workers are often left feeling frustrated and fending for themselves after they file a workers' compensation claim. The survey of injured workers by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada found that
Is Health Plan Self-Funding Right for Your Firm?
As group health costs continue climbing and more employees struggle with the cost of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, some employers are starting to take a second look at self-funded, or partially self-funded plans. These plans give employers more skin in the
How to Coax Disengaged Employees to Sign Up for Health Coverage
One of the most difficult aspects of annual open enrollment is reaching workers who are disengaged from the process and never bother signing up for your group health plan and other benefits they could take advantage of. While employers shoot for
Employees and Employers Save with Cafeteria Plans
As health care costs continue rising and employees are being asked to shoulder more of the expense burden, you can help them by offering a tax-advantaged plan that allows them to save for medical expenses. These cafeteria plans, which are governed
Finding Health Cost, Insurance Data Still a Struggle for Patients: Report
Despite newly enacted federal transparency rules for hospitals and health plans, some large hospitals are still not posting the required price lists for their services, according to a recent report. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ transparency rules were implemented
Remote Workers Find Benefits Selection Difficult
A new survey has found that remote workers have a more difficult time choosing benefit plans that are the right fit for them compared to their colleagues who work on-site or have hybrid remote-office schedules. The poll by MetLife found that
Get Communications Right for Open Enrollment
As group health plan open enrollment looms for most companies, communicating your offerings to your staff is key to getting as many of them as possible to sign up for coverage. That requires a solid strategy aimed at helping your employees
Employee Assistance Programs in Times of Need
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought mental health to the forefront for many people, as they tried to cope with abrupt changes to their work and social lives, isolation, fear of getting sick and losing loved ones to the disease. Even now,
How to Budget for Your Group Benefits Plan
As the labor market remains tight and businesses struggle to find staff, more small firms are starting to offer employee benefits, particularly health coverage. But the costs of coverage can be daunting and many employers worry about whether they can afford