The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on health insurance in the U.S., with many employers improving mental health and other benefits to help their workers during this trying period, according to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Despite the...
Most employers offer major medical coverage to their full-time employees. But that still leaves workers and their families with significant exposure to financial hardship in the event of a serious medical emergency.For example, even with insurance, treating a broken...
Employers looking for ways to decrease their group health insurance outlays over the past decade have been turning to high-deductible health plans as they offer lower up-front premiums. In 2021, 51% of the U.S. workforce was enrolled in one of these plans, according...
As we enter 2022, there are a number of changes on the horizon that plan sponsors need to be aware of as they will affect group health plans as well as employees enrolled in those plans. Some of the changes concern temporary rules that were implemented during the...
The controversy over COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace continues growing and human resources are sounding the alarm on how employers should approach the matter. While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and impending OSHA regulations will provide some...
Studies have found that nine out of 10 employees opt for the same benefits every year and that around a third of workers don't fully understand the group health plan benefits they are enrolled for. Staying in the same plan after year can be a waste of money if someone...
A model measure would require health plans to include financial assistance that policyholders receive, as well as drug rebates, towards their pharmaceutical deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Most health plans do not allow rebates and outside financial assistance to...
Under new guidance issued by the IRS, at-home COVID-19 testing kits will be considered a reimbursable medical expense under the three main health care savings vehicles offered to employees. This new guidance adds to the list of personal COVID-19-related expenses for...
A new study has found that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic nearly half of U.S. workers added one new supplemental health-related benefit on top of their group health coverage. The 2021 “Aflac WorkForces Report” found that 44% of employees bought one additional...
One mistake more and more employers are making is failing to file the required Affordable Care Act tax-related forms with the IRS. If you are what's considered an "applicable large employer" (ALE) under the ACA, you are required to file with the IRS forms 1094 and...