Why smaller companies should consider self-funding

Once limited mostly to large companies, self-funding is now becoming accessible to even smaller employer groups. The Affordable Care Act is changing the landscape of health insurance. Options that once seemed very risky and unsuitable for small businesses are now being considered as viable options. Community rating As of Jan. 1, 2016 the definition of […]

Coworkers, benefits matter most to employees

Employees are more likely to stay at their company if they have a strong sense of community, according to new research. That can include from everything from workplace atmosphere and how well one gets along with coworkers to benefits packages and other perks. HR startup Gusto, formerly ZenPayroll, polled 618 small business owners and 501 […]

Update for the Franchise Industry: Is your brand manager creating a “joint employment” relationship with your franchisees’ employees?

By Jeffrey M. Rosin, partner at the Boston and New York offices of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP For several years now, franchisors have been the subject of attention in the labor and employment law arenas, and new rules and regulations are challenging franchise relationships in a number of ways. One increasingly important legal […]

How voluntary benefits are alleviating financial stress

In the immortal words of Snoop Dogg, “I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind.” Knowing how much money is in the bank is always a priority. Without it there would be no home, car, education, toys, phone, anything. That is why when financial stresses become too heavy the motivation […]

10 common questions employees have about benefit options

Introduction Small businesses are making many changes to health insurance offerings, and those changes are leading to employee questions. As a result, the appropriate communication from advisers is vital making benefits a success. Zane benefits shares its top 10 questions received from employees. Who selects my health insurance plan – me or my employer? The […]

Employers remain unprepared for IRS reporting

They say the more things change, the more they remain the same. Case in point: the reformation of the U.S. healthcare system under the banner of the Affordable Care Act. When the new laws were first implemented, confusion abounded. Thousands of pages of legislation were written, leaving employers, their workforces and even some benefits professionals […]

How do HSA plans affect low-wage workers?

High-deductible group health plans may get much of their power to hold down claim costs by pushing the lowest-wage workers to use cheaper drugs. At one large U.S. manufacturer that offers high-deductible coverage, the enrollees who had coverage through a low-wage appear to be spending about 70 percent less on prescription drugs. Use of high-deductible […]

10 healthcare differences between Clinton, Trump

10 healthcare differences between Clinton, Trump As the presidential candidates continue stumping around the country, many will hear their views on the current state of healthcare in the United States. Corporate Synergies, an employer benefits brokerage and consultancy, has rounded up the views of Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on many […]

California to crack down on out-of-network billing

A bill approved by the California legislature this week represents a major milestone for consumer and patient advocates. Under the new law, which was passed by both houses of the legislature and is expected to be signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, most Californians who receive treatment at a hospital or clinic that is within their […]

How to help employees make smart decisions in a consumer-driven health plan

With healthcare costs continually rising, an increasing number of employers are providing their employees with more choices when it comes to health insurance plans. This is helping employers save money on insurance premiums, but it’s making the decision process more difficult for employees. The key to helping employees make the best decision in a consumer-driven […]