The non-discrimination rule that applies to some benefit plans will increase its impact once final regulations are released.  The 105(h) rules prohibited employers with self-funded plans from creating a benefit package that shows preference to some individuals over others. The IRS will include fully funded plans in this requirement once the regulatory guidance is released. [read more...]

Last week, we talked about how some businesses are considering discontinuing their healthcare plans because of the Affordable Healthcare Act (AHCA). Would this decision benefit businesses or their employees? [read more...]

The federal government understands how the rising costs in health care affect families. It has looked to find ways to help businesses and individuals make health insurance more affordable. Tax exclusions for Employer Sponsored Health Insurance, coupled with Section 125 plans, are two ways that the government has tried to help cut health care costs. Some businesses, however, may stop offering health insurance benefits between now and 2014, when the Affordable Care Act will take full effect. [read more...]

Employers Responsible for Controlling the Cost of Health Care Premiums [read more...]

National Survey: Employee Consensus on Importance of Health Insurance [read more...]

As the cost of health care premiums continues to rise, many small businesses are looking even more intently for ways to control health costs. As such, health savings accounts, or HSAs, are receiving additional scrutiny. What are HSAs? At its most basic, an HSA is health care coverage that combines a high-deductible health plan with a tax-free savings account designed for medical expenses, with the goal of reducing health insurance costs for both employers as well as employees. [read more...]

With the current state of the economy, and unemployment figures stubbornly refusing to budge, many companies see little need to put a great deal of effort into making sure that employees are happy and satisfied in their jobs. After all, the thinking goes, employees have few options these days when it comes to finding new jobs, so they’re unlikely to leave whether or not they love their jobs. And so, is there any point to implementing anything like an employee recognition program? [read more...]

With the economy continuing to be in a precarious position, and unemployment figures equally pessimistic, many companies are looking for ways to cut costs in order to shelter themselves from these difficult economic impacts. And in many cases, the low-hanging fruit appears to revolve around employee benefits. It can be far easier to slash bonuses and raises, for example, than it is to take a cold hard look at expenditures and determine where money can be saved. Yet is this really the best first option for companies, this knee-jerk action by Human Resources to take away employee benefits? [read more...]