"70% of millennials experiencing fertility difficulties say that they would switch employers for fertility treatment coverage in their healthcare ... [C]onsider adding on adoption reimbursement ... Over 80% of employees say that they would stick with a company for five years if the company assisted them in paying off their student loans  ... Mental health coverage is becoming less of an option and more of a must for many employers ... especially if you're able to add telehealth coverage[.]"   MORE >>

"[R]esearchers found that the cost of employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) health care benefits increased much faster than workers' wages since the late 1980s, and likely reduced wages by an average of about $9,000 per year by 2019. They also found that the percentage of worker compensation going toward premiums was substantially higher for Black and Hispanic workers and lower-income workers, and likely contributed to income inequality."   MORE >>

"January is when drug makers typically hike their prices. This year, there's a mixed bag of price increases and a few notable declines, such as on some forms of insulin." [3-minute audio]   MORE >>

"Despite being often overlooked in health care benefits, vision care is pivotal in identifying and addressing key medical issues early on. With the new year underway and January marking National Eye Care Month, now is the ideal time for benefits advisors to start conversations about ancillary products like vision."   MORE >>

"[T]he court found that 'even when accorded only ordinary weight,' the treating doctors' findings persuasively established that Haynes was unable to perform the requirements of her occupation.... Unless there is some evidence that would undermine a claimant's reports of pain and fatigue, the insurance company has no basis for disregarding such complaints.... [A] favorable Social Security determination is relevant evidence in support of a claim for disability insurance benefits." [ Haynes v. Principal Life Ins. Co. , No. 22-2499 (N.D. Texas January 3, 2024]   MORE >>

"[A chart] shows DOL's maximum 2024 penalties for single-employer defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) plans, with 2023 penalties shown for comparison. The increased amounts apply to penalties assessed after Jan. 15, 2024, for violations occurring after Nov. 2, 2015.... PBGC's 2024 maximum penalty under ERISA Section 4071 for single-employer DB plans is $2,670 a day (up from $2,586 in 2023) for each day a filing, notice or other information is overdue. The higher rate applies to penalties assessed after Jan. 12, 2024."   MORE >>

"The architecture of employee benefit plan committees, also known as plan ?duciary or plan oversight committees, is as diverse as the organizations that sponsor them. There is, however, essential consistency in the skills and experiences of the individuals employers appoint to serve as committee members."   MORE >>