Open enrollment is a critical time frame each year for employees to review, assess and modify their existing benefits or enroll in new ones. During open enrollment, employees can accept or decline employer-sponsored insurance, such as health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance and vision insurance, among other options. Open enrollment dates vary; however, for employer-sponsored...
Employers should be aware of updates to several model notices that can be used to comply with certain disclosure requirements for their group health plans under federal laws. Federal agencies provide these model notices to aid compliance and periodically update them to reflect changes to the law or the information contained in the notices. While...
Safe and Sound Week is an annual campaign conducted by OSHA and other safety organizations. It will take place from Aug. 11-17 this year. This event aims to recognize the successes of workplace safety and health programs across the country and provide additional resources to help organizations and their employees kick-start or improve upon occupational...
As temperatures climb across the country, July marks Extreme Heat Awareness Month—a timely reminder for employers to evaluate the risks extreme heat poses to their workforce, especially those in outdoor or non-climate-controlled environments. Heat-related illnesses can happen quickly and have serious consequences. From heat exhaustion and dehydration to heat stroke, the impacts are not just health-related—they also...
A recent survey from Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firm, found that nearly one-third of employers are expected to expand voluntary benefit offerings by 2027. The survey demonstrates the significance of voluntary benefits in modern benefits packages, with over two-thirds (70%) saying they are driven to offer these perks to ensure...
As the workforce ages, employers must adapt to ensure the safety and productivity of their older employees. Many baby boomers are delaying retirement or reentering the workforce, so the number of employees aged 55 and older is rising. While these workers bring valuable experience and engagement to their roles, they also face unique safety challenges...
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a key component of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate (Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc.). The Court’s decision requires health plans and health insurance issuers to continue covering, without cost sharing, the full range of recommended preventive care services. ACA’s Preventive Care Mandate The...
As summertime approaches, it’s important to ensure your employees will be properly protected at the construction site. After all, summer is often the hottest season of the year, typically accompanied by surging temperatures and increased humidity levels. Such weather conditions can greatly increase the risk of your employees experiencing numerous complications on the job—especially heat-related...
A new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists revealed that prescription drug spending in the United States reached nearly $806 billion in 2024, up 10.2% from 2023. The increase was largely driven by the demand for weight loss medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. GLP-1 medications are prescribed for diabetes and obesity and...
June is National Safety Month—a time to spotlight key areas of health and safety in the workplace and beyond. With summer temperatures rising, it’s crucial to focus on one often-overlooked hazard: heat illness. Whether you’re on a construction site, in a warehouse, or participating in outdoor recreation, excessive heat can pose serious risks to your health...