Reform debate elicits heated opinions

Another day, another debate in the Senate Democrats’ drive to pass their health care reform bill. While Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) attempts to reconcile top divisive issues such as abortion and prescription drug regulations, EBA health care reform panelists weigh in on the process so far.

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Voluntary benefits still a work in progress, EBA survey finds

Voluntary benefits continue to be widespread in the employee benefit marketplace, but have not reached critical mass at most brokerages, according to Employee Benefit Adviser’s 2009 survey of benefit brokers. The annual poll, conducted in late November, found that although 74% of brokers derive at least some revenue from voluntary benefits, relatively few have made them their main focus. Only 10% of respondents said they derive 80% to 100% of their revenue from voluntary benefits,…

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Empower the consumer through transparency

That's the message AmWINS Group Benefits' Sam Fleet is sending in his latest health reform white paper, "It's Crystal Clear — Lower Health Care Prices Requires Transparency." Listen in as veteran consultant Fleet shares three ways consumerism can lower health care costs and why he's disappointed with the reform legislation we've seen so far.

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Swine flu offers voluntary plans shot in the arm

Just in time for the holidays, a few voluntary benefit carriers are offering their employer clients the gift of inoculation against a worldwide pandemic as an enhancement to their respective critical-illness plans – and in the process, refreshing the worksite market with a unique new service.

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Benefits for departing employees impact those who remain

Severance pay, outplacement support and other continuing benefits for terminated employees impact the morale of remaining employees, even affecting the company’s brand and public image, according to new research on separation benefits.

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