Employers and plan sponsors considering a COVID-19 vaccine premium incentive should examine the potential risks, cost savings and administrative hurdles. On October 4, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services issued FAQ guidance confirming the permissibility … Read More
The Knowledge Center
Our health & welfare experts write articles, host webinars, launch videos and get interviewed by employee benefits, insurance, business and national media. It's award-winning insurance journalism which can be found here weekly.
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3 Questions You Must Ask Before Signing Your First Stop-Loss Insurance Contract
Stop-loss insurance contracts offer important protection for self-funded employers—but employers must ensure they’re providing the right coverage. Responsibly transitioning to self-funded health insurance can provide cash flow flexibility for some employers—and they are taking the plunge. In 2018, 38.7% of … Read More
Our Take: Undiagnosed Hypertension Remains Worldwide Risk, Study Shows
Undiagnosed hypertension can lurk until it leads to a serious health problem and high-cost claims. Employers can help employees screen for these conditions. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease and is … Read More
Healthcare Consumerism and Price Transparency Tools: Are Your Employees Equipped?
As price transparency tools become more accessible, employers need to ensure that they are also educating employees in healthcare consumerism. Several states and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have implemented healthcare price transparency measures to help address the unsustainable … Read More
Dollars, Data & Design: Self-funding Benefits
Your organization may be able to harness more self-funding benefits than you realize. If an employer hasn’t incorporated a self-funded feasibility analysis into their strategy this year, they may be missing the boat. If your organization wants to be proactive … Read More
Agencies Delay Transparency Rules for Healthcare Pricing
These delayed transparency rules will give employers and insurers more time to prepare, and some rules are pending further regulations. On August 20, 2021, the U.S Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Treasury (the “Agencies”) announced a … Read More
3 Health Insurance Takeaways from Biden’s Executive Order on Competition
Biden’s Executive Order on competition offers a glimpse of healthcare policy to come and potential rules employers should keep an eye on. The Biden Administration issued a sweeping Executive Order on “Promoting Competition in the American Economy” last month. This … Read More
Our Take: National Nonprofit Day Recognizes Orgs’ Unique Needs
National Nonprofit Day reflects the history of tax-exempt organizations, but many are now worried about their future. The pandemic impacted all organizations, but it especially exacerbated existing issues concerning many nonprofit organizations. Many are now trying to maintain their mission … Read More
Latest COBRA Subsidy Guidance May Prompt Filing Amendments
Employers and plans sponsors have already spent several months reviewing and implementing these rules. See what the latest COBRA subsidy guidance changes. The IRS recently issued guidance clarifying the rules for how employers can claim the tax credit for the … Read More
Our Take: Vaccination Mandates are Reverberating through Employers
Momentum for employer vaccination mandates is increasing. The federal government and Silicon Valley companies are among the latest to act. Some of the largest public and private employers, including the federal government, the nation’s largest employer, have announced upcoming requirements … Read More
Effective Employee Benefits for Nonprofits Begin with Culture
Your employee benefits package is an extension of your nonprofit organization’s mission and values. What would you say if I asked you to name the most important aspect of your nonprofit organization’s benefit plan that starts with “C”? Did “cost,” … Read More
What Does the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision Mean for Employers?
The Supreme Court’s latest ACA decision may ease the law’s near-constant legal limbo and the concern of uncertainty for employers trying to plan ahead. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has survived its latest major challenge. On June 17, The U.S. … Read More
Our Take: New Surprise Billing Rule may Help Employers & Plan Sponsors
The new surprise billing rule looks to reduce anxiety for consumers and ease billing disputes for employers and plan sponsors. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury, and the Office of Personnel Management revealed a … Read More
Clarifying 4 Common 2021 COBRA Subsidy Questions
Who qualifies? What’s considered “involuntary termination”? The 2021 COBRA subsidy rules gave employers a lot to manage—and plenty of questions. Despite additional guidance from the IRS, COBRA subsidy compliance continues to be an area of stress and concern for many … Read More
Our Take: Popular Voluntary Benefits May no Longer be Optional
A recent survey shows more employers offering popular voluntary benefits. We think it could help attract and retain top talent. The world of work looks different, and employees—and potential employees—are prioritizing different aspects of their careers and compensation. In a … Read More