Benefits

More retirement plan sponsors are beginning to consider overall financial literacy and wellness programs for plan participants.

No formal legislation has been put in writing, but some lawmakers and lobbying groups are trying to prevent that from happening.

Some employers are starting to see wellness programs as a business imperative.

Only one-third said the well-being initiatives offered by their employers encouraged them to live healthier lifestyles.

It will get harder over the years to avoid the excise tax, Mercer says.

Industry insiders are divided about whether this is a good idea.

Health savings accounts can be used much like defined contribution plans to save for retirement, and the key to growth is investing them.

Retirement plan sponsors and advisers will need to revamp education for participants to reflect changes in Social Security claiming strategies.

Even if employees are convinced to sign up for an HDHP with an HSA, they may experience disappointment when they use the plan, so ongoing communications are needed.

However, employees are paying a greater share of health care costs than ever.

The group suggests other efforts to address the retirement savings crisis in America.

More employers are self-funding their health plans and wellness program components are changing.

Avoiding the ACA excise tax and using preventive services are also top health benefits goals.

Employers confront compliance, offering more choices and restraining costs during open enrollment. 

Thinking the retirement industry has failed to deliver on its goals, state governments are trying to get into the retirement business.

After giving employers pedometers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee found it doesn’t take great strides to cut costs and improve employees’ health.

Finances and benefits continue to bewilder American workers, and many would like online assistance.

Four out of five employers now identify changes to health and pharmacy plan designs as their most important strategic priority.

A study suggests a strong connection between the time spent reviewing benefits and the decision to make a change.

Health care costs are affecting household budgets, but individuals do not know how to shop for health care.