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.

 

2022 The Current
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Long-Term Benefits Plans Safeguard Companies from Turbulent Times

Harrison Newman and Pamela Smith

A strong long-term benefits plan can help your organization weather the storm | Corporate Synergies

The value of a long-term benefits plan isn’t just the plan itself but what it reveals about an organization’s goals, priorities and resources. As Warren Buffet said, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a … Read More

How Employers Should Prepare for the Federal Vaccine Mandate

Raymond Kim and Dan Kuperstein

Employers should have a plan for the federal vaccine mandate despite its suspension | Corporate Synergies

Though the federal vaccine mandate may be in question, there are still steps employers can take to prepare for that policy or to implement their own. If you’re a large or mid-sized private business, chances are you’ve been following the … Read More

Overcoming Challenges for a Smooth Open Enrollment

Nicole Mitchell

Relax and follow this advice for a smooth open enrollment process this year | Corporate Synergies

A smooth open enrollment can help reduce employee confusion and questions throughout the year. Here’s our advice to achieve it. As Corporate Synergies’ plan administrator, I can relate with the HR departments of our clients. One of the biggest topics … Read More

Vaccine Incentives and Other Fall 2021 Compliance Impacts

Pamela Smith and Dan Kuperstein

We’re monitoring fall 2021 compliance impacts to keep employers’ minds on their business | Corporate Synergies

Expect fall 2021 compliance impacts in the areas of benefits strategy, workplace policy, and vaccine incentives. Recent pandemic-related developments, including those before the Biden Administration’s announcement of a federal vaccination mandate for private sector employers, have had (and will continue … Read More

4 Tips for Managing Open Enrollment During Disruptions

Corporate Synergies

Avoid toppling your employee benefits strategy when conducting open enrollment during disruptions | Corporate Synergies

Flexibility and communication can help employers and employees avoid issues when conducting open enrollment during disruptions, like COVID-19. Managing all the moving parts of open enrollment is a complex process at the best of times. Rely on your trusted partners … Read More

Employers may Implement COVID-19 Vaccine Premium Incentives

Dan Kuperstein

Employers can implement vaccine premium incentives to encourage employees to get vaccinated | Corporate Synergies

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

3 Questions You Must Ask Before Signing Your First Stop-Loss Insurance Contract

Luciano Franco and Earl Rutter, Jr.

Employers should ask these 3 questions before signing a stop-loss insurance contract | Corporate Synergies

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

Dollars, Data & Design: Self-funding Benefits

Corporate Synergies

Employers are realizing self-funding benefits. 67% of covered employees are in self-funded plans. | Corporate Synergies

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

Dan Kuperstein

The now delayed transparency rules intended to help clarify healthcare pricing for consumers. | Corporate Synergies

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