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INSIGHTS

mHealth: The Evolution of Digital Healthcare

This Insight discusses mHealth, the combination of mobile technologies and healthcare. For employers, this technology is an opportunity for improving employees' overall health, though it can also be complicated to institute and maintain.

Jeffrey Slay

How Does the Cigna–Express Scripts Merger Affect Employers?

In December 2018, Cigna announced the completion of their $67 billion acquisition of Express Scripts, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). This consolidation is just one of many mergers and acquisitions that is intended to reinvent the US Healthcare system, as noted in Cigna's press release about the merger. Find out how this impacts consumers and employers.

Compliance Alert: IRS Releases 2020 HSA Contribution Limits and HDHP Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Limits

IRS Releases 2020 HSA Contribution Limits and HDHP Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Limits. Find out what you need to know to stay compliant.

Compliance Alert: Reminder PCORI Fees Due By July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019 is the fee deadline for employers that sponsor self-insured group health plans, including HRAs. In this update you'll find background on the establishment of the PCORI, counting methods, and how fees are determined.

Corporate Wellness Programs: New Concept or Ancient Advice?

Wellness programs are seen as a way not only to improve the overall health of an organization, but also to lower costs and empower employees to improve their health. Learn about the evolution of the wellness program out of historical achievements from businesses like Kaiser, as well as future opportunities for expanding wellness programs to show an ROI.

Improving Employee Confidence with Financial Wellness Programs

Given today's heavy debt load, employees may not think retirement is possible and may need more than just long-term advice. Financial wellness can seem out of reach. Learn how a strategic financial wellness program can empower your employees to reach their goals.

International Benefits Update – Q2 2019

Europe is predominantly featured in Woodruff Sawyer’s 2nd Quarter International Benefits Update, with many changes to mandatory leave entitlements and pension programs.… More

Integrated Care: The Kaiser Healthcare Model

Kaiser is an award-winning institution that few companies have been able to replicate. They've recently announced $22 million in grants to community organizations in three states—all of this while providing nationally recognized healthcare for their members.

Compliance Alert: CMS Extends Transition Relief for Non-Compliant Plans through 2020

On March 25, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a one-year extension to the transition policy (originally announced November 14, 2013 and extended five times since) for individual and small group health plans that allows issuers to continue policies that do not meet ACA standards.

Employee Benefit Strategies for a Multi-Generational Workforce

What do you do when you have employees who range from ages 18 to 72? Employers today may be employing three or more generations and require strategies to keep each age group engaged. How do you create a plan that satisfies everyone while keeping your company competitive?

Looking Ahead: The Employee Benefits Landscape in 2019

The broad and complex world of employee benefits keeps getting more interesting—or daunting, depending on your viewpoint. In this annual issue of our Employee Benefits Looking Ahead Guide, we highlight key impact areas for employers in 2019 and provide insights into ways to set up or evolve their programs in light of industry trends and ever-changing market options.

Understand the Wellness Program Spectrum Before You Begin Your Wellness Strategy

While there are a variety of wellness programs available today, ranging from traditional to new and innovative, it can be difficult to understand which ones would be a good organizational fit. Learn about the Wellness Program Spectrum and why it should be a prerequisite to formulating any wellness strategy.

The Influence of Direct to Consumer Advertising (DTC)

The US and New Zealand are the only two countries which allow Direct To Consumer (DTC) advertising. This advertising leads to higher demand by consumers (and employees) which drives up healthcare costs. And who pays for these higher costs? The employer does, as the largest provider of healthcare insurance in the US.