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...
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The Beacon – August 25, 2022
MZQ Beacon Alert - August 25, 2022 In this Edition: On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the sweeping Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the IRA) into law. In addition to the act’s deficit reduction measures and the changes it makes to tax law and energy policies,...
Diabetes Wellness Programs Can Boost Productivity, Reduce Costs
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,...
The Beacon – August 22, 2022
MZQ Beacon Alert - August 22, 2022 In this Edition: On Friday, August 19, 2022 the DOL, HHS, and Treasury issued updated FAQ's addressing the machine readable file requirements, which are part of the CAA Transparency in Coverage Rules. In short, employers no long have...
Two-thirds of Small Firms Are Boosting Their Benefits Packages: Poll
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...
Ask an Expert: Is There a 30-Day Grace Period to Make Changes to Elections in Cafeteria Plans?
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...
Waiving HDHP Deductibles Has Little Effect on Premiums, Study Says
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...
Alleviating Health Insurance Burden on Employees a Top Priority: Poll
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”...
Illness or Injury: How Your Business Can Protect Your Employees
According to a recent survey, four in 10 American workers live paycheck to paycheck. This means that an unexpected illness or injury that takes someone off the job for more than a few days can have devastating consequences for many of your employees who depend on...
Importance of Educating Gen Z Workers on Benefits
It always takes more time than usual to onboard new employees — particularly ones who are new to the workforce altogether — to your employee benefits plans. Keep in mind that the ritual of choosing a benefits package is a brand-new experience for people who are new to...