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Insurance

Group health plans must still cover contraceptives cost-free

08/10/2022
New FAQs emphasize group health plans’ ongoing obligation to provide cost-free coverage of contraceptives

Average pregnancy costs $19K, C-sections more

07/26/2022
Health costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum care average a total of $18,865 and the average out-of-pocket payments total $2,854 for women enrolled in large group plans, according to a July analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Snapshot: Telemedicine takes off

06/21/2022
Almost all employer-sponsored health plans now cover telemedicine, a dramatic increase since before the pandemic.

The next recruit/retain perk? Free health insurance

05/17/2022
With cutthroat competition among employers to attract new employees and keep current staff from defecting, a once-unthinkable benefit is beginning to emerge: health insurance that is truly employer-provided.

Survey: Employers address health care affordability

05/03/2022
Almost all U.S. employers—94%—say managing health care benefit costs will be their top priority over the next two years, followed by enhancing mental health benefits (87%), according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson.

Inflation effect: HSA contribution limits to increase in 2023

05/03/2022
The IRS has announced a significant jump in the amount employees can contribute to health savings accounts that are tied to high-deductible health plans. It’s tacit recognition from the federal government that the inflation that has rocked the economy will probably continue well into 2023.

Out-of-pocket health-care costs higher for women

03/08/2022
Employees in companies with workforces that are at least 65% female have to pay far higher health-insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums than workers at male-dominated organizations.

Consider adding fertility-care coverage to health benefits

02/15/2022
In the battle to beat the labor shortage, some employers are enhancing their benefits portfolios. One newly popular offering that appeals to both recruits and current employees: fertility benefits.

Prepare for health-cost inflation, but not this year

02/08/2022
With inflation running at a 40-year high, it’s only a matter of time before higher costs start creeping into the health-care market. The Mercer consulting firm urges employers to start preparing to pay more to keep employees healthy.

Consider adding these 5 well-being benefits

02/01/2022
It’s time for employers to address the toll the pandemic is taking. As you weigh benefits to offer next open season, think about ways to help employees achieve better financial, physical, mental and emotional well-being.