New GASB accounting standards on the way
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has approved the release of two exposure drafts related to accounting for Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB).
Employees satisfied with benefits experience less stress
These days, a larger number of companies across the country are becoming more active in offering their workers a growing raft of benefits, and in turn, they are being rewarded with happier and healthier employees.
Employee health benefit plans have varying effects for businesses
Today, a significant number of businesses large and small, across the country, give their employees the option of participating in benefit programs which are designed to not only make those workers fitter and healthier, but also save companies money on their ongoing health care costs.
Employee benefits program drawing ire at Penn State
While many companies and workers alike have been able to find numerous positives from employee benefit plans that reward healthy behavior, it seems that one problem some may have actually comes in implementing them, as was highlighted by a recent case in Pennsylvania.
More workers to receive benefits through healthcare exchanges
The Affordable Care Act has already fundamentally changed the way in which employers will provide health insurance coverage to their workers in the future, but new data suggests the same may be true of other benefits as well.
Few small businesses offer voluntary insurance, other benefits
While studies have shown that many companies are making a number of different benefit options available to their employees, this may not be particularly true of small businesses. Consequently, this might present insurance companies with considerable opportunities for growing their business.
Fewer workers being covered by employers' health insurance plans
While federal efforts to increase enrollment in health insurance plans offered by employers are to be implemented in the coming year, it appears that these efforts are mainly just making up ground that was lost in the previous decade or so.
Small businesses relying on better benefits to attract, keep workers
There are a number of economic factors weighing on small business owners these days, and these could have major impacts on their abilities to hire top workers in their field. However, despite these potential issues, more are now concentrating on providing higher-quality benefits as a means of drawing in these applicants for open positions, and keeping those already working for them in the fold.
The average age of people purchasing long-term care insurance policies is dropping
With many consumers more concerned about their finances than past generations, a larger number are securing insurance policies designed to help keep their costs low in the event they require long-term care at some point.
More consumers enrolling in wellness incentive programs
A growing number of both small and large businesses which offer their employees health insurance are now also allowing them to participate in wellness programs. These programs are designed to reduce policy costs. These days, it seems far more people are being enticed to sign up for these initiatives, especially when given a significant financial incentive to do so.