As we prepare to conclude the year, many companies have finalized their medical plan for 2025. Costs continue to increase at a challenging rate. Some market conditions driving rate increases include provider consolidation, an increasing rate…

The Inflation Reduction Act imposed changes to Medicare Part D for 2025. The changes reduce an individual’s out-of-pocket amount and remove the coverage gap (“doughnut hole”). These changes may affect the creditable coverage status of…

As benefit plan sponsors monitor industry trends, one topic that has grown in popularity the past year is the coverage of GLP-1 drugs (e.g. Ozempic, Wegovy). These drugs were initially developed to help treat Type 2 diabetes. What has emerged…

Companies that provide employee benefits to their workforce usually offer an enrollment period every year, allowing workers to purchase new coverages or change/drop coverages they currently have. While much of the benefit selection activity…

Employers face significant challenges when managing their pharmacy benefits effectively, and the rising costs of prescription drugs contribute substantially to the overall health care expenditure in the United States. This surge in pharmacy…

At the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against President Biden’s plan to forgive certain federal student loan debt. Barring some other plan, payments are set to resume again this fall, impacting about 43 million Americans. Even…

The end of the COVID-19 federal emergencies will likely impact group health insurance across the United States. During the pandemic, certain policies were implemented to support employers and employees, such as temporarily suspending certain…

Employers have many competing priorities for employee benefits initiatives in today’s competitive labor market, coupled with inflation pressures and an uncertain legislative environment. Employers look to balance short-term needs while focusing…

This piece was written as a companion to our September 2022 Market Check Survey: Inflation and the Impact on 2023 Insurance Purchasing, to highlight perspectives from specific commercial industries. Inflation continues to be an issue…

The Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on June 24, 2022, has placed a spotlight on abortion specifically and overall women’s health more broadly. Employers are again in the middle of addressing health care…

In today’s competitive labor market, coupled with the repercussions of the ongoing pandemic, employers have many competing priorities related to their employee benefits initiatives. Employers look to balance urgent needs while focusing on…

For several years, financial wellness has been a prominent topic and shows no sign of lessening in the future, as the COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified financial stress for many Americans. Employees continue to be challenged with managing…

Time off from work has always been one of the more desirable benefits for employees. The pandemic has further emphasized how critical it is for employees to have options to take a vacation or to take leave to care for children or aging parents. We…

Now that we are past the midpoint of the year, many employers are turning their attention to plans for 2022. While planning for the long term is alwaysprudent, there remains the need to address tactical issues for the final six months. We conducted…

As we embark on a new year, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic remain front and center. When the virus emerged, many companies had to pivot quickly to reposition their workforce, continue manufacturing their product, and maintain customer…

Influenza has been an annual issue that people and businesses have had to cope with for years. While many people annually receive the vaccine, a large percentage of the population do not for a variety of reasons. The flu can be costly…