2 min read

The Employer-Optimized Healthcare Model

By Brian Bellware on Apr 28, 2021 6:45:00 AM

Warren Buffett said, “there are two sides to every coin…price and value. Price is what you pay, and value is what you get.”

In today’s healthcare system, there is a broad range in both price and value, and unfortunately, traditional health plans do not effectively support members consistently using high-quality, affordable providers and facilities.

On the value side of the coin, there are several reputable quality measures that consistently demonstrate wide variability in safety scores, infection rates, and overall health outcomes – even between two hospitals within the same system! And the statistics on unnecessary care, overuse of testing, and misdiagnosis are staggering.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Care Reform
3 min read

The Health Rosetta Ecosystem

By Ray Korson on Apr 21, 2021 6:45:00 AM

In 2017, legendary investor Warren Buffett famously stated, “Medical costs are the tapeworm of American economic competitiveness," indicating in no uncertain terms that rising healthcare costs are the number one problem facing American businesses. Currently, healthcare spending represents approximately 18% of America’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and nearly double per capita compared to other developed countries. To make matters worse, life expectancy is far less than that of comparable nations even after adjusting for age and non-treatable causes of death. Despite these facts, the cost of healthcare continues to rise, consistently outpacing inflation and overall economic growth. Whether you are a business owner, community leader, or industrial worker, you can relate to the pressure from rising healthcare costs and its consequences.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Care Reform
2 min read

Student Loan Repayment Plans Under The CARES Act

By Whitney Trent on Apr 8, 2020 3:00:00 PM

Landmark legislation was passed by U.S. Congress which includes exciting news regarding student loan contributions.

Topics: Schools Employee Benefits
5 min read

Current 401k Plan Trends For Employers

By Gibson on Oct 9, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Peter Welsh, Director of Retirement Services for Thurston Springer. We hope you enjoy Peter's wisdom and perspective.

Topics: Employee Benefits
4 min read

2019 Employee Benefits Outlook

By Ray Korson on Feb 20, 2019 6:30:00 AM

According to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “The only thing that is constant is change.” This certainly rings true for the year ahead in the world of employee benefits and human capital management. While not an exhaustive summary of the changes to come, the following touches on some of the key trends and area of focus for employee benefits in the near future.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Risk Management Select Business Solutions

Happy Holidays 2018

By Gibson on Dec 26, 2018 6:30:00 AM

From our employee-owners to you and your family, we wish you a safe and joyous holiday!

 

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Employee Benefits Personal Insurance & Risk Management Select Business Solutions
2 min read

What You Need To Know About Form 5500

By Gibson on Jul 16, 2018 6:30:00 AM

What Is Form 5500? 

Also known as the Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan, Form 5500 is a filing required annually by the Department of Labor (DOL) & Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Form 5500 reports and discloses information on benefit plans to ensure:

  • The operation and management of these plans comply with certain Titles outlined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
  • Sufficient information is provided to regulators to effectively safeguard the rights and benefits of participants and beneficiaries.
Topics: Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Practice
2 min read

Final Rule On Association Health Plans

By Gibson on Jul 9, 2018 6:30:00 AM

The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) announced their final regulations modifying the Association Health Plan (AHP) rules to expand availability to more employers and to make them more affordable by eliminating certain coverage requirements applicable to qualified health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Topics: Employee Benefits
2 min read

7 Timely Tips For Summer Travel

By Gibson on Jun 20, 2018 6:30:00 AM

It’s no secret that most people enjoy getting away for a week or two in the summer to enjoy the sunshine and quality family time. Studies have shown that taking occasional vacations has many work and health benefits, including lowering stresslevels, avoiding burnout, and increased work quality and creativity. However, before you get over-excited and hit the open road, here are some quick tips to make sure you are prepared for the unexpected.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Risk Management Personal Insurance & Risk Management
1 min read

IRS Modification To HSA 2018 Contribution Limits

By Gibson on Apr 30, 2018 6:30:00 AM

On April 26, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced yet another modification to the annual limitation on deductions for contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Topics: Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Practice