Employers Curtail Health Cost-Shifting to Workers
One of the health insurance trends that went largely unnoticed in 2021 was that employers halted cost-shifting to their employees by reducing or holding steady workers’ deductibles and other cost-sharing. That’s according to a new study by consulting firm Mercer, which
Pandemic Fallout: Employers Boost Mental Health, Substance Abuse Benefits
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on health insurance in the U.S., with many employers improving mental health and other benefits to help their workers during this trying period, according to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Despite
Hospital Indemnity Insurance a Key Voluntary Benefit
Most employers offer major medical coverage to their full-time employees. But that still leaves workers and their families with significant exposure to financial hardship in the event of a serious medical emergency.For example, even with insurance, treating a broken leg
2022 Health Insurance Outlook, Changes
As we enter 2022, there are a number of changes on the horizon that plan sponsors need to be aware of as they will affect group health plans as well as employees enrolled in those plans. Some of the changes concern
Dealing with COVID Vaccination Status Friction Points with Employees
The controversy over COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace continues growing and human resources are sounding the alarm on how employers should approach the matter. While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and impending OSHA regulations will provide some cover to employers
Helping Your Employees Find the Right Plan for Them
Studies have found that nine out of 10 employees opt for the same benefits every year and that around a third of workers don't fully understand the group health plan benefits they are enrolled for. Staying in the same plan after
Draft Would Help Policyholders Meet Drug Deductibles, Copays
A model measure would require health plans to include financial assistance that policyholders receive, as well as drug rebates, towards their pharmaceutical deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Most health plans do not allow rebates and outside financial assistance to count towards a
COVID-19 Home Test Kits Reimbursable under FSAs, HSAs
Under new guidance issued by the IRS, at-home COVID-19 testing kits will be considered a reimbursable medical expense under the three main health care savings vehicles offered to employees. This new guidance adds to the list of personal COVID-19-related expenses for
Pandemic Spurs Supplemental Benefits Uptake Among Workers
A new study has found that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic nearly half of U.S. workers added one new supplemental health-related benefit on top of their group health coverage. The 2021 “Aflac WorkForces Report” found that 44% of employees bought
Large Employers Must File ACA Forms, Not the Insurers
One mistake more and more employers are making is failing to file the required Affordable Care Act tax-related forms with the IRS. If you are what's considered an "applicable large employer" (ALE) under the ACA, you are required to file with