Insurance

Survey: Employer health-care costs to rise 8% in 2025

09/03/2024

U.S. employers project a median health-care cost increase of 8% for 2025, according to International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans survey results. This is an increase over similar surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023, which projected a 7% rise in costs.

Can you make access to drugs contingent on meeting health goals?

08/22/2024

According to a recent survey, one of the biggest headaches for HR professionals in charge of planning employee compensation and benefits is dealing with the increasing cost of new drugs designed to treat common medical problems like diabetes and obesity. According to the report, 44% of those surveyed ranked specialty drugs as their top health-care management challenges.

By the numbers: Workers’ comp claim causes and effects

08/19/2024

The most common workplace accidents account for the most expensive workers’ compensation claims, according to a new report by Travelers, the nation’s largest workers’ comp insurer.

Court: Denying transgender-care coverage violates Title VII

06/17/2024

For the first time, a federal appeals court has ruled that an employer that provides health insurance for its employees violates Title VII if it refuses to cover transgender care. That, in the words of the court, violates Title VII’s sex-discrimination provisions because it denies transgender workers the same benefits other employees are entitled to.

2025 health insurance renewal: Ask 5 questions to start planning now

06/17/2024

Now is the time to start laying the groundwork on your next health insurance renewal go-round. An early start will give you a fighting chance to keep costs under control in 2025.

$360K reasons employers need EPLI insurance coverage

06/07/2024

Sometimes, the laws that govern conduct in the workplace conflict in ways that are almost impossible to reconcile. When that happens, litigation is sure to follow. That’s one reason it’s essential to carry employment practices liability insurance. It can help pay for legal costs, damages and settlements when employers find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place, as happened in this case.

Do your benefits line up with what employees want?

06/05/2024

The 2024 Workplace Benefits Report from Bank of America offers valuable insights into employees’ evolving needs and expectations. As an HR professional, understanding these trends can help you craft a competitive benefits package that attracts and retains top talent.

Add support benefits for employees diagnosed with early-onset cancer

05/15/2024

It’s more likely than ever that some of your employees may be diagnosed with cancer. Employers can provide invaluable support to employees who receive the terrifying news that they have cancer.

No, you can’t use high medical costs as an excuse to terminate a sick worker

05/13/2024

A car dealership is out $325,000 and must train managers and supervisors on the ADA and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

HSA enrollees use fewer outpatient services, prescription drugs

04/22/2024

Health Savings Accounts play a role in changing the way employees use health-care services. A new analysis by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that employees enrolled in HSAs reduce their use of outpatient services and prescription drugs and increase their use of inpatient services.