Tag: benefits

DOL Rescinds ERISA Guidance Discouraging Sustainable Investments

The U.S. Department of Labor on Oct. 21 reversed 2008 guidance that discouraged retirement plan fiduciaries and their investment advisers from considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when choosing companies for their portfolios. The reversal, made through a new interpretive bulletin that reinstates 1994 guidance, recognizes a growing consensus that fiduciary duty may in […]

Decision Steerage and Targeted Programs Improve Wellness Results

To achieve wellness program goals, employers should make healthier choices easier to access, and target populations that have chronic conditions. Encouragement from trusted leaders is seen as improving buy-in by sick population segments, and unions could in some ways be more effective than employers in achieving results, said a panel of experts at an Oct. […]

Annual Benefits Sign-Up Is Less Popular than Tax Season

Let’s just say it’s not most people’s favorite thing to do. Known in human resources offices as “Open Enrollment,” the annual ritual of choosing your medical plan, opting in or out of dental and vision coverage, and deciding how much money to put in your flexible spending account is, as they say, “part of growing […]

Investment Adviser Penalized $15M for Failing to Diversify

A novel approach to determining damages owed by an investment adviser to two defined contribution retirement plans in an ERISA fiduciary-duty breach was part of a decision including a $15 million reimbursement request handed down recently by a New York federal judge. Plan sponsors should note that the defendant, WPN Corp., was ordered by the […]

Data Transparency at the Heart of Cost Control

Most people would probably choose custom over off-the-shelf if they had the chance—even when the product is health insurance. At least, that’s how Michael Jordan, who is president of labor and strategic accounts at MagnaCare, a healthcare services company specializing in self-insured plans and network solutions, sees it.

7 Strategies for Improving Engagement during Open Enrollment

With many employers making changes to their health insurance plans, including accelerated adoption of high-deductible health plans, it’s more critical than ever for companies to strengthen their efforts to engage employees during their open enrollment periods, according to Chris Hill, CEO of Spotlite.