The COVID-19 pandemic has brought mental health to the forefront for many people, as they tried to cope with abrupt changes to their work and social lives, isolation, fear of getting sick and losing loved ones to the disease. Even now, as the pandemic ebbs, the mental...
As the labor market remains tight and businesses struggle to find staff, more small firms are starting to offer employee benefits, particularly health coverage. But the costs of coverage can be daunting and many employers worry about whether they can afford benefits...
As open enrollment is right around the corner, now is the time to gear up to maximize employee enrollment, help them make the best selections for their own personal circumstances, and stay compliant with relevant laws and regulations. It's a lot to take in as...
Even though the majority of workers receive health insurance coverage on the job, a new survey has found that many of them understand surprisingly little about their health plans and are leaving money on the table. The "Health Insurance Literacy Survey" by...
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 to about...
Physicians and employee health experts are increasingly recommending that employers include diabetes screening, prevention and management in their company-sponsored wellness programs. Diabetes — known as the "silent killer" — afflicts more than 29 million Americans,...
Now more than ever, employers need to step up their employee benefits game beyond providing group health insurance. Thanks to the Great Resignation, employees are demanding more from their current and prospective employers. And those that don't deliver lose employees...
Q: We have an employee who wants to make changes to her cafeteria plan election, even though benefits are already effective. Is there a grace period that allows her to change her election? Employers: Don't make this common cafeteria plan mistake! Once cafeteria plan...
Employers who offer health savings account-eligible high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to employees can significantly expand pre-deductible coverage for certain drugs used to manage chronic conditions — with only a tiny effect on premiums. That's the finding of a...
As the 2023 group health open enrollment season nears, more employers have heard concerns among their staff and are focusing on affordability and easier access to health care services, according to a new study. Mercer’s “Health & Benefit Strategies for 2023”...