Narrow Networks Do Work…If Employees Understand How to Use Them
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Managing Costs: The Current Insurance Report, Issue 2023-1
Employers have plenty of tools to manage employee benefits costs. The Current Insurance Report can help identify which is right for your organization. As we close the first quarter of 2023, we’re hearing from employers of all sizes and across … Read More
Employer Priorities for 2023: Mental Health and Cost-Containment
Across industries and organization sizes, we’re observing the same top two employer priorities for 2023. Here’s how to tackle these challenges. Today’s employers are facing dual challenges in astronomical insurance price increases and America’s unwavering mental health crisis. Due to … Read More
Reference-Based Pricing Is a Different Way of Doing Healthcare. Here’s How to Get It Right
There are clear benefits but adopting a reference-based pricing model takes time and support from the right partner. Reference-based pricing entered the conversation a few years ago as a solution and response to unsustainable healthcare price increases, and the model … Read More
Why Smaller and Mid-size Employers Are Considering Self-Funding & Other Funding Alternatives
The importance of understanding the risks and potential rewards of self-funded medical benefits.
3 Employee Benefits Compliance Priorities for 2023
Abortion rules, fiduciary committees and mental health parity enforcement top 2023’s employee benefits compliance priorities. Compared to the flurry of regulatory changes in 2020 and 2021, 2022 seemed quieter for employee benefits compliance. However, many new rules are now taking … Read More
Open Enrollment Planning for Next Year’s Success Starts Now
Improve processes and evaluate performance year over year by starting next year’s open enrollment planning now. For many organizations, open enrollment is almost over. And while your HR team may be looking forward to a break from an intensive planning … Read More
Independent Private School Funding Solutions Beyond Captives and Consortiums
Captives and consortiums allow smaller employers to band together to self-fund, but private schools may benefit from exploring alternative funding options. Facing cost increases and limited purchasing power, independent private schools have sought out alternative funding models like captives and … Read More
ICHRAs: A Radically New Way to Offer Health Insurance
ICHRAs can be a great option for small employers, large organizations with diverse or changing employee needs or geographically diverse workforces. Even if you offer multiple health insurance plans, trying to address the diverse needs of employees can seem impossible. … Read More
The Myths Preventing Employees From Embracing HSA-Qualified Plans
The biggest barrier to HSA-qualified plan adoption is education. Here are common myths I’ve encountered and how I’ve explained them. You’ve decided to offer a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA). You encourage your employees … Read More
Employers Have Options Related to Abortion Benefits
In addition to abortion benefit options, employers need to carefully consider how reimbursement programs are designed. The recent U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision still leaves a lot of legal and regulatory abortion access questions unanswered. In … Read More
Investing in Your Workforce: The Current Insurance Report, Issue 3
Workforce investment is one of the biggest costs – and opportunities – for employers. Thoughtful strategy is required to get the best return. We are only a few months removed from our last issue of The Current Insurance Report and … Read More
7 Open Enrollment Solutions for Today’s Challenges
On par with most employee benefits, the open enrollment process has transformed in recent years, causing employers of all sizes and industries to seek open enrollment solutions to common challenges. Often, this means rethinking and revisiting their engagement strategies. HR … Read More
Demographic Studies and Real-Time Benchmarking Data Enable Strategic Planning
Analyzing real-time benchmarking data and demographic studies is the first step to setting meaningful and attainable strategic goals. It’s indisputable: The pandemic and the subsequent “Great Resignation” have made benefits more valuable in the marketplace, leaving organizational leaders wondering how … Read More
Is Self-Funding the Solution to Rising Medical and Drug Costs?
Employers are increasingly considering self-funding to counter rising medical and drug costs and serve their population with the benefits they actually need. In our experience, the cost of health insurance is the second largest expense behind payroll for most employers. … Read More