Employers Use Variety of Strategies to Provide Competitive and Cost-Effective Health Care Benefits
As they wrestle with providing attractive but affordable health care benefits for employees, employers are trying a variety of strategies. A recent report from insurance brokerage Gallagher shows businesses are balancing workers' physical and emotional health against ever-rising costs. There are
New Approaches to Managing Health Care Costs, Improving Outcomes
As health insurance and health care costs continue climbing, some employers are taking new and innovative steps to tamp down costs for themselves and their covered employees while not sacrificing the quality of care they receive. Some of the strategies
New Anti-Obesity Drugs Put Employers in a Quandary
A surge in demand for pricey, new and highly effective anti-obesity medications could put a financial strain on employers who sponsor their employees' health plans. Employers have long offered coverage for certain weight loss tools, such as bariatric surgery if employees
Group Health Premiums Set to Rise 6.5%: Poll
U.S. employers can expect to see their group health insurance premiums climb an average of 6.5% in 2023 from this year, according to a new study. Economic inflationary pressures will push the average premium cost per employee to about $13,800, compared
Workers Cite Health Benefits as a Top Factor When Accepting a Job
Despite the job market upheaval and intense competition for talent, there is a mismatch between the value that human resources executives and job prospects put on employee benefits, according to a new survey. One in five workers surveyed said that health
Health Insurance Considerations for Workers Who Move Out of State
One fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in the number of Americans who are working from home permanently. With so many people being freed from the yokes of the office, many have chosen to move to other states
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
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
Group Plan Affordability Level Set for 2022
The IRS has announced the new affordability requirement test percentage that group health plans must comply with to conform to the Affordable Care Act. Starting in 2022, the cost of self-only group plans offered to workers by employers that are required
PBM Trade Association Sues Over Transparency Rules
As the federal government continues rolling out new laws and regulations aimed at increasing price transparency in the health care industry, one group is fighting back: pharmacy benefit managers. The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a trade association for PBMs, has sued