Industry News

Apr 8, 2013
In Brief: Agencies Issue Rules on Reinsurance Fees
A brief roundup of HR news and trends, including new guidance on the reinsurance fee under PPACA.
Apr 1, 2013
Workers' Worries May Threaten Benefits' Value
While a company's workers may differ in age, gender and in a range of other categories, new research suggests they share at least one common attribute -- a lack of confidence about retirement savings.
Mar 25, 2013
Knowledge, Choices Fuel Consumerism
Without help and resources from employers, health consumerism might end up in the clearance bin of insurance fads, experts warn.
Mar 18, 2013
Firms Find New Solutions in Voluntary Options
Mar 12, 2013
Flu Season Turns Corner, But Challenges Remain
Although the height of the flu season looks to be waning, employers can expect the effects of the annual wave of sickness among the U.S. workforce to linger for a few more months.
Mar 5, 2013
Regulation Roundup: The Hits Keep On Coming
The federal government in the past few weeks has kept up the fast pace of pumping out benefits-related guidance.
Feb 25, 2013
Training, Benefits Can Bring Millennials Around
An emerging trend is posing a tough challenge to HR professionals: how to encourage "millennials" -- today's youngest workers -- to adapt and succeed within a company's business culture.
Feb 11, 2013
Gadgets Stir Security Worries for HR
While advances in technology can spawn increased productivity and lower costs for a company, security concerns about the use of mobile devices and social media remain a hot-button issue for employers and HR professionals.
Feb 4, 2013
Prevention Success Starts with Education
Some employees still seem to be stuck in the dark when it comes to the true costs and benefits of preventive health services.
Jan 21, 2013
IRS Offers Some Help with 'Pay or Play' Proposals
The IRS kicked off 2013 with a little relief for some employers under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Jan 14, 2013
In Brief: HHS Clarifies 'Essential Benefits' Rules
The Department of Health and Human Services has released proposed rules regarding the "essential benefits" provision of the health care reform law
Jan 7, 2013
Compliance Tops Hot-Button Items for 2013
For employers, the traditional New Year adage of "out with the old and in with the new," will ring true in 2013.
Jan 2, 2013
Employers Sample New Self-Funding Ideas to Chop Costs
Self-insured employers increasingly are testing new plan designs and tougher negotiation tactics with providers in hopes of discovering new and better ways to tamp down health care costs.
Dec 27, 2012
Rules May Create Win-Win for Employers, Workers
New proposed federal regulations on wellness programs may deliver a healthy shot in the arm for employer-sponsored initiatives.
Dec 17, 2012
In Brief: Workers Are Getting More from Retirement Benefits
U.S. retirees are collecting more in retirement income today from employer-sponsored plans than in the mid-1970s.
Dec 10, 2012
In Brief: Beware of FMLA Rules in Wake of Disasters
Experts reminds employers that natural disasters can whip up compliance issues from the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Dec 3, 2012
Shop Smart When Hunting for Health Plans
A few simple steps can help smaller companies craft a competitive benefit package without breaking the bank or tumbling into a legal pitfall.
Nov 26, 2012
Companies Recommit to Smoking Cessation
While workers' waistlines continue to be a prime target in wellness initiatives, many companies also are deploying aggressive anti-smoking programs.
Nov 19, 2012
2012 Election: PPACA Is Here to Stay
The election results clarified the future of health care reform, but employers still face questions on many of the details of the law.
Nov 12, 2012
In Brief: You vs. Flu
A roundup of the latest HR trends, including a reminder that a flu shot can help keep workers healthy and combat employer costs.
Nov 6, 2012
Employees Seek Better Pharmacy Services
Mail-order pharmacy programs promise savings and convenience for employees, but some workers are starting to miss the face-to-face time with their local pharmacist, a new report suggests.
Oct 29, 2012
Ruling May Give Wellness Programs a Boost
A recent federal ruling likely will ease some compliance worries for employers sponsoring wellness and disease management programs.
Oct 23, 2012
Employers Take Another Look at CDHPs
Consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs) can generate savings for employers and workers alike, but employers should consider some factors before offering them.
Oct 15, 2012
PPACA, Costs Fuel 2013 Plan Designs
Health care reform is poised to create a host of challenges for businesses of all sizes, but it may be the smallest companies that face the biggest decisions.
Oct 8, 2012
From Wellness to Well-Being: Employers Blend Benefits for Better Results
Successful wellness strategies have evolved beyond health posters in the company break room or a gym membership discount. More employers are expanding their wellness initiatives to foster employees' overall "well-being" -- not just their health -- in an effort to tamp down costs and boost productivity.
Oct 1, 2012
Benefit Bummers: Poor Planning Can Lead to Enrollment Failures
A strong communication plan can make the enrollment process simpler and more rewarding for both employers and their workforce.
Sep 17, 2012
In Brief: HSAs, Wage Fights
A roundup of some top benefit trends for this week.
Sep 10, 2012
In Brief: Generic Prescription Drugs Net Big Savings
A brief summary of some of the top employee benefit trends.
Sep 4, 2012
Employers Backtrack on Background Checks
New regulations on criminal background checks are raising questions among employers about the balance between a safe workplace and following the rules.
Aug 27, 2012
Health Care Reform, Costs Are Changing the Wellness Landscape
PPACA and cost trends are driving more employers and insurance providers invest in wellness initiatives and incentives.
Aug 20, 2012
PPACA Sparks Big Changes for This Year's Enrollment Season
The health care reform law is shaking up enrollment time for employers this year.
Aug 13, 2012
In Brief: Wellness Incentives; CDHP Power; New Health Strategies
Aug 6, 2012
Top-Bottom Buy-In Can Bolster Benefit Communications
When communicating the value of employer-sponsored benefits, HR and company leadership need to get in front of their workforce early and often, experts say.
Jul 30, 2012
Companies Look to Pharmacy Benefits for Savings Solutions
As overall health care costs continue to climb, companies are examining their prescription drug plans to squeeze savings and improve employees' health
Jul 23, 2012
PPACA Ruling Answers Some Questions, Leaves Others Hanging
The Supreme Court's ruling on the health care reform law clears the air a bit but still leaves lots of questions lingering for employers.
Jul 16, 2012
In Brief: DOMA; Health Care Costs; Rx Strategies
Jul 2, 2012
Want to Win the Wellness Game? Start with Good Communications and Fun
Wellness can be a real winner for your company, as long as you get (and keep) employees on board.
Jun 26, 2012
Labor Power Softens But Still Lingers
The recent recall victory by Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin seems to reflect a trend of diminishing union power. Employers, however, should remain aware of labor's continuing influence, experts say.
Jun 18, 2012
Bigger Changes May Be in Store for FSAs
New guidance from the IRS and bills floating in Congress may bring significant changes for employers that sponsor flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to their employees.
Jun 11, 2012
In Brief: HSAs; Plan Fees; Health Care Reform
Jun 4, 2012
Beware of Facebook Foibles in Recruiting
Asking job candidates to supply passwords to their social media accounts likely will generate a big "Unlike" from the prospective hire -- and perhaps from the government.
May 30, 2012
Globe Plotting: Overseas Benefits Require Research, Careful Strategy
As more small and midsize U.S. businesses take the plunge into overseas markets, HR leaders are learning how to shape their company's compensation and culture to recruit and retain the best workers globally.
May 24, 2012
Consumerism Can Keep Prevention Costs in Check
While preventive medicine can save on costs in the long run, employees should be educated to make smart choices when getting a checkup.
May 14, 2012
Hotter Economy Can Spark Retention Challenges
As the economy improves, employers should re-evaluate their benefits now so they are better positioned to hang on to top performers, experts say.
May 7, 2012
Retention Challenges Blossom under Rosier Economy
The good news: The U.S. economy is showing some signs of improvement. The not-so-good news: Top talent may leave as the job market improves. But employers can take steps now to minimize the losses.
Apr 30, 2012
FSAs Call for Careful Compliance Care
A flexible spending account (FSA) can be a great benefit to employees, but employers should keep a careful eye on a couple of recent compliance developments.
Apr 23, 2012
PPACA Ruling May Have Limited Impact on Employers
No matter how the Supreme Court rules on the health care reform law, employers will face challenges and choices, experts say.
Apr 23, 2012
May Webinar: Affirmative Action Plan
Do you have an affirmative action plan? Maybe you should.
Apr 16, 2012
In Brief: Poster Ruling; ERRP Deadline; Knee Surgeries
Apr 9, 2012
Agencies Post New FAQs, Rules on Health Care Reform
A trio of federal agencies has released a set of frequently asked questions and notification rules pertaining to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Apr 2, 2012
Weak HSAs Can Threaten Workers' Well-Being
High-deductible health care plans with health savings accounts (HSAs) continue to gain steam, but without careful attention, poor savings habits can undermine an employer's best intentions.
Mar 28, 2012
Women's Issues Take Center Stage
The political storm over the Obama administration's rule on birth control tops a number of recent developments that affect employers and how they handle certain issues pertaining to the female portion of their workforce.
Mar 19, 2012
Employers Hunt for Ways to Boost Wellness Payoff
Costs can prompt some employers to second-guess the worth of wellness, but new studies show companies can see a $3-to-$1 return in just a few years.
Mar 12, 2012
In Brief: Wellness Perks, Relocations
Discounts for fitness centers are employees' favorite wellness perks, a new poll finds.
Mar 5, 2012
Leave Troubles Can Linger for Employers
The Family and Medical Leave Act presents a special challenge for employers because it overlaps with other laws and is regularly tweaked by federal agencies.
Feb 27, 2012
Employers Can Weather Health Costs with Smart Strategies
Lesser-known cost factors can burden employers' plans, but companies can make tweaks to keep their benefit offerings competitive and valuable.
Feb 21, 2012
It's Official: Agencies Release Final Rules on SBC, GINA, 401(k)s
The federal government has been busy issuing final rules on a number of benefits-related regulations that will directly impact employers.
Feb 14, 2012
In Brief: Union Elections
The NLRB is proposing a series of rules that would change procedures regarding union representation elections.
Feb 6, 2012
Employers Go High-Tech with Benefit Information
Employers of all sizes are turning to new technologies to make benefit communications easier and more effective.
Feb 1, 2012
Expert: CDHPs Can Succeed with Right Incentives
A little nudge (and maybe some cash) can spur employees to be good health consumers, which can save employers money in the long run, experts say.
Jan 23, 2012
New Year Brings Extra W-2 Duty for Many
A new health care coverage reporting rule kicks in for many employers this year.
Jan 16, 2012
In Brief:
Tailoring communications to workers' age groups can boost engagement, but most employers fall short, a survey notes.
Jan 9, 2012
In Brief: DOL Delays Benefits Summary Rules
The Department of Labor delays the deadline for employers to comply with new rules regarding the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC).
Jan 3, 2012
EEOC Move Adds New Compliance Wrinkle to Wellness Programs
A regional office within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has ruled that incentives offered to employees' spouses to complete a health risk assessment are a violation of the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
Dec 28, 2011
Employers Target Prescription Plans to Save Costs
While many aspects of health care costs can't be controlled by employers, many businesses are finding savings with smart pharmacy benefit management.
Dec 19, 2011
No Matter What, PPACA Ruling Will Impact Employers
Whether the Supreme Court rules for or against the health care reform law, employers likely will have to make adjustments to remain compliant.
Dec 12, 2011
News Briefs: CLASS Act Dumped
CLASS Act; Transit Taxes; Inflation Limits; Promotion Over Pay; W-2 News; Women at Work.
Dec 5, 2011
Employers Return Attention to Retirement Benefits
As more signs of an improving economy bubble up, more employers are making tweaks to their retirement benefits to make them more attractive.
Nov 29, 2011
Negatives vs. Positives: Companies Try Penalties to Change Behavior, Trim Costs
More employers are opting for the stick over the carrot to prod employees into improving their lifestyles.
Nov 21, 2011
Experts: Do Not Rush into Reform Decisions
The full impact of health care reform remains as cloudy as ever, so it is crucial that employers tread carefully when making benefit decisions.
Nov 14, 2011
News Briefs: Employers Take the Hit on Costs
Nov 7, 2011
News Briefs: NLRB Notices
Oct 31, 2011
Give Employees a Shot at Good Health
Employers can play a key role in keeping their workforce -- and their entire community -- healthy as winter approaches.
Oct 24, 2011
Experts: Don't Overlook Disability Benefits
While health care is often king at enrollment, experts say employers shouldn't ignore income-protecting benefits for their employees.
Oct 17, 2011
Ready, Set, Enroll: Employer Efforts Can Boost Morale, Compliance
Enrollment can serve as a great opportunity for HR and benefit managers to re-engage the workforce and remind them of the value of their benefits and compensation.
Oct 10, 2011
COBRA Subsidy Ends -- For Most
The federal COBRA subsidy officially ended on Aug. 31, but some employees might continue to receive the subsidy.
Oct 3, 2011
Good Wellness Starts with Hard Facts
Sep 19, 2011
Proposed Rules on Communications, Affordability, HRAs
New proposed rules springing from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) would drastically change how companies communicate information about their employer-sponsored benefits.
Sep 12, 2011
News Briefs: Reform Costs
Sep 6, 2011
News Briefs: Fee Disclosures
Aug 29, 2011
Ready for Takeoff? Employers See Top Talent Fly
New research suggests high-performing employees are quitting more often, putting pressure on employers to find ways to entice top talent to stay put.
Aug 22, 2011
Employers Can Save When Pill Patents Pop
Aug 16, 2011
New Guidelines Require Plans to Fully Cover Birth Control, Other Preventive Services
The federal government has issued new guidance that will require nongrandfathered health care plan to cover a number of women's health services without a copay or deductible.
Jul 15, 2011
Tweaked Rules, Court Ruling Cast More Doubt on Impact of PPACA
The federal government continued to rework regulations stemming from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in June amid a key court ruling and a wave of studies that tried to forecast how employers will cope with the long-term effects of the law.
Jul 15, 2011
Agencies Target Businesses in Immigration Efforts
Federal and state governments are revving up the effort against illegal immigration and are increasingly putting businesses in the crosshairs.
Jul 15, 2011
Fairness, Age Can Play Major Roles in Employee Morale
After several years that saw pay freezes, layoffs and cuts to benefits, it's not surprising that employee morale has taken a serious hit.
Jul 14, 2011
Employer Briefs
Roundup of employer-related news for July 2011.
Jun 15, 2011
Spring Brings Bloom of Proposed Rules
Federal regulators have been busy recently with their own version of spring cleaning, announcing tweaks to Medicare notices, health savings account limits and a host of other proposed rules that would affect employer-sponsored health care plans.
Jun 15, 2011
Employers Continue to Look for Savings
Jun 9, 2011
Good Wellness Starts From Bottom -- and Top