News/Blog

Last-minute Open Enrollment Considerations

As open enrollment periods approach for 2023 benefits, there’s still time to address employees’ questions and inform them of their options in meaningful ways. Doing so will help them get the most from their benefits, which are especially valuable as employees navigate record-high inflation and work to maximize every hard-earned dollar. This article outlines a…

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5 Strategies for Tackling Rising Health Care Costs in 2023

Most employers are concerned about their health care costs rising in 2023. According to Willis Towers Watson’s (WTW) 2022 Emerging Trends in Health Care Survey, 94% of employers reported managing health care benefits costs will be their top priority over the next two years. Employers will likely avoid shifting costs to employees because of the…

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Employers Expect Major Increases to Health Care Costs in 2023

In 2022, most employers’ health care costs increased. According to recent industry data, current signs are also pointing to significantly higher health care costs in the upcoming year. Employers now face the difficult task of reigning in rising health care costs and keeping employee coverage affordable while trying to remain attractive to current and prospective…

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inflation

Inflation’s Impact on 2023 Open Enrollment

Many employees are currently feeling financially strained because of inflation. With open enrollment fast approaching, inflation could impact the choices employees make when it comes to their benefits. Employees are likely considering which benefits matter the most and how to optimize the money they spend on those offerings. As a result, this year’s open enrollment…

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mental health crisis

New Mental Health Crisis Dialing Code Launched July 16

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Lifeline) launched nationwide on July 16. Similar to dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call or text 988 and be connected immediately to trained counselors who will listen, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary. The three-digit dialing code is…

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5 Mental Health Employee Benefits Trends for 2022

Mental health has been a hot topic recently, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, so many people have experienced issues such as burnout, depression, anxiety, and substance addiction. In fact, 40% of U.S. adults said they have struggled with mental health or substance abuse during the pandemic, according to a Jellyvision…

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3 Voluntary Benefits Trends to Watch in 2022

Benefits have always been crucial for attracting and retaining top performers, and voluntary benefits are a great way for employers to round off their offerings. These extra perks allow for more personalization that can help satisfy the unique needs of each worker, especially in today’s multigenerational workforce. Although individual needs vary, some common themes—physical, mental…

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Three Strategies for Reducing Benefits Cost in 2022

Health care costs continue to rise each year, and 2022 will be no exception. In the new year, expertspredict a 6.5% increase in medical costs alone, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Employers arealso anticipating health plan premiums to rise more than 5% in 2022, a Willis Towers Watson surveyreports. With these increases in mind, employers will want…

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5 HR Technology Trends to Monitor in 2022

No matter a company’s size, its day-to-day needs can feel overwhelming for human resources (HR) leaders, especially when faced with new coronavirus-related responsibilities or evolving role duties. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers are leveraging tech to address today’s challenges. Fortunately, technology can assist HR professionals in addressing today’s challenges by enhancing the employee experience,…

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The Rise of ICHRAs

With the need for cash and talent, many employers have engaged in crafty measures to keep people and pay them more. ICHRA (Individual Coverage HRA) has been a rising topic for many clients looking to provide their employees with the best options while reducing risk within their organization. Since January 1, 2020, when ICHRAs first…

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