Category: Articles

I’ve been on a “Let’s Get Digital” soapbox for delivering employee benefits communications for several years. Digital is more effective than print in SO many ways, many of which I will outline below.   But first, let’s acknowledge that there is no surefire way for any organization to get employees to pay attention to and…

In the realm of insurance, predicting future medical claim costs is pivotal for maintaining financial stability and offering competitive premiums. Traditionally, actuarial methods have been the backbone of this process, relying heavily on historical data and statistical models. However, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized this landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance prediction…

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, one key factor stands out as a linchpin in the pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable system: the effective management of chronic medical conditions.   Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, pose a significant challenge to both individuals and the broader healthcare space. Beyond their…

When it comes to group health plans, many HR managers rely on their insurance broker and account teams to guide them through the complexities of regulatory requirements and best practices. While an insurance broker should provide valuable support and direction, an implicit (or sometimes explicit) question can arise when complex issues are encountered: “Do I…

It may seem as if all third-party administrators (TPAs) are essentially the same, but, surprise, they aren’t! A flashy website can make a subpar TPA look and sound great, but what truly matters is how well the TPA does what it is entrusted to do. This article highlights important considerations beyond first appearances when selecting…

Have You Reviewed Your Bills Lately? While conversations about finances are always first on the agenda at annual renewal meetings, there are a variety of reasons why plan sponsors and HR should be paying attention to carrier invoices year-round. As a former account manager, I cannot count the number of times that a client who…

It is not uncommon to hear that while many employers have both safety and wellness committees, they rarely interact with one another. Employees, managers, and leaders may inherently realize that there are benefits to combining safety and well-being efforts, and quite a bit of overlap, but they also may encounter difficulties when it comes to…

A common problem with employer wellness programs is that they don’t really drive behavior change that improves health outcomes.   In a typical homegrown wellness program, an employer incentivizes their employees to complete basic health activities like an annual physical and lab work. The rewards often range from $150 to over $2,000 per year in some…

In case you haven’t noticed, we are in the midst of the greatest advancements in technology in the history of humankind. No longer burdened by “snail mail,” “in-person applications,” “letter writing,” “paper checks” and hundreds of other time-consuming tasks, technology has changed our world. Mostly for the better (although I know I will get some…