Insurance

Premiums up modestly, while deductibles soar

10/10/2018

Annual family premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose 5% to average $19,616 in 2018, extending a seven-year run of moderate increases.

The ‘S’ in HSA stands for ‘spending,’ not ‘savings’

10/10/2018

Benefits brokers tout health savings accounts as a way to sock away money to pay for health care expenses down the road. But that’s not how employees use HSAs today, according to a new survey.

DOL weighs in: Pay for participating in wellness activities?

10/09/2018

More and more employers are providing various wellness incentives as part of their medical insurance plans to promote healthier lifestyles and choices. A new opinion letter addressed whether employees should be paid when they participate in certain activities.

Lower Rx cost growth rate projected in 2019

10/02/2018

Prescription drug costs are projected to grow more slowly in 2019, according to findings of the 2019 Segal Health Plan Cost Trend Survey.

Employees who resign aren’t usually eligible for unemployment compensation benefits

09/25/2018

Generally, an employee who voluntarily resigns is ineligible for unemployment compensation benefits. However, there are some exceptions.

Snapshot: Less than 50% satisfied with comp & benefits

09/11/2018

Most U.S. employees are satisfied with their jobs and employers. Other than vacation leave, however, fewer than half are positive about pay and benefits.

Association health plans are small business option

09/11/2018

Billed as an alternative to health insurance required by the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Labor has issued regulations allowing small businesses—including sole proprietors with no employees—to band together to form association health plans.

Sell employees on benefits of HDHP/HSAs

08/14/2018

As you evaluate your health insurance options for the upcoming benefits year, you may be considering whether to offer high-deductible health plans, coupled with health savings accounts. HDHP/HSAs are a combination that can save big bucks for employers and employees alike.

IRS releases 2019 inflation adjustments for HDHP/HSAs

08/14/2018

The IRS has announced the 2019 inflation-adjusted figures for high-deductible health plans and health savings accounts.

Workers’ comp claims get expensive when more than one employer is involved

08/08/2018

The Minnesota Supreme Court has clarified the conditions under which an attorney representing an injured worker can obtain additional attorneys’ fees.