Telemedicine is the delivery of health care from a distance through technology. These remote services increased in popularity largely due to the pandemic and have continued to remain relevant. The convenience, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility allow more expansive care for a larger group of individuals. Several types of healthcare visits can …
Employer Health Benefits 2022 Survey Results
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) recently conducted a survey featuring 2,188 interviews with non-federal public and private firms. The survey is used as a touchpoint for employer-sponsored health coverage, examining employee contributions, cost-sharing, wellness programs, telehealth services, and more. Premiums and cost-sharing The survey found the average annual premium for …
Choosing a Health Plan
As an employer choosing which health plan to offer, many considerations must be taken. In a perfect world, an employer chooses a plan that keeps costs down but also fits employees’ needs, boosting overall satisfaction and retainment. However, finding that perfect combination isn’t always easy when there are so many …
Vision Insurance
July is Healthy Vision Month, a time to spread awareness and advocate for healthy vision. Eye health directly impacts your performance and safety at home and in the workplace. Vision insurance is one of the more popular voluntary benefits offered by employers. Preventative health, through routine eye exams, is an …
Making the Most of Your Benefits
With such a high inflation rate, consumer goods and employee benefits have experienced a notable price increase. Employee Benefit Research Institute conducted a survey and confirmed one-third of U.S. employees saw an increase in their health costs within the past year. However, there are ways employers can mitigate benefits costs …
Telemental Health
As COVID-19 locked down the country, telehealth rapidly gained popularity, especially for behavioral and mental health services. Unlike most doctor visits, mental health visits typically do not require face-to-face meetings. Visits can be conducted via video or even audio calls, though many physicians prefer video calls in order to read …
Why Implement a Workplace Wellness Program?
SHRM’s 2019 Employee Benefits Survey found that 64% of employers provide wellness information and resources. With health care costs continuously increasing, employers and employees strive to save money. A wellness program is an attractive solution as it has the potential to reduce health care costs and boost workplace satisfaction. Wellness …
What is Voluntary Accident Insurance?
Life can be unpredictable which is why many employers offer voluntary benefits including accident insurance. When an accidental injury occurs, accident insurance provides financial protection for covered employees. Some plans include accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) as an add-on to accident insurance; however, it is typically offered as a separate …
Employee Benefits in State of the Union Address
President Biden gave the State of the Union (SOTU) address on March 1, 2022. In his speech, he covered international affairs and domestic matters affecting the workplace. Drug Costs Insulin currently costs hundreds of dollars per month with Biden proposing a $35 per month cap on insulin prices. Similarly, it …
Benefits of Utilizing Certified Financial Therapists
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, mental health and financial wellness took a massive blow for people around the world. Layoffs and furloughs skyrocketed. With the lack of work came a lack of income. Household debt in the United States rose $286 billion in the middle of 2021. Many felt the …
IRS Announces 2022 Plan Limits
The Internal Revenue System (IRS) recently announced the 2022 dollar limits for employee benefits including: High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPS), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Transportation Benefits, and Adoption Assistance. As cost-of-living expenses continue to rise due to inflation, the IRS annually adjusts contribution limits to accommodate …
How Financial Wellness Is Impacting Your Employees
Financial concerns are one of the largest causes of stress among employees, and the current pandemic has only exacerbated the need for benefits that help employees navigate the daily stressors in their lives. We’ve seen financial wellness programs gaining traction across a multitude of industries as employers realize the importance …
4 Ways to Make Employee Benefits Work Harder for You
When employees are well informed about their benefits, they are more inclined to make smart decisions that protect their health and financial well-being. Furthermore, educating employees about the value and range of their benefits can cultivate trust and confidence with their employer, which can have a positive impact on recruitment …
Virtual Vision Care on the Rise
The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to force many organizations to adapt and reimagine their service offerings to prioritize the health and safety of their employees. Since in-person visits to the doctor were put on hold in 2020, telehealth saw an increase in popularity. This allowed employees and their families …
Proposed Rule Would Update 2022 Benefit & Payment Parameters
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently published a proposed rule that would revise several benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the 2022 benefit year. While the proposed changes primarily impact insurers and Exchanges, it’s important to consider that some provisions could also …