Employee Benefit Adviser articles from January 2004

Employee Benefit Adviser archives from January 2004

Putting CDH plans into perspective.(consumer-driven health)
January 1, 2004... Based on industry buzz, one would have to say that the hottest "new" benefit product is the consumer-driven health (CDH) plan - high-deductible insurance wrapped around a medical savings account. And based solely on percentage growth in...

Mutual funds turmoil begs advice on due diligence.
January 1, 2004... Retirement plan sponsors certainly can't be blamed for not knowing which mutual funds to trust. However, financial advisers should make sure they know that they can be faulted for acting precipitously and eliminating funds from their 401(k)...

NQDC plans a golden opportunity for small-market brokers.(non-qualified deferred compensation )
January 1, 2004... If you think that non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans are a perk for senior executives in Fortune 500 firms and not appropriate for your clients, think again. Until recently, the only option for small companies wanting an NQDC...

HSAs give clients new option for consumer-driven health.(health savings accounts)
January 1, 2004... New Medicare legislation provides tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSAs) for virtually anyone who has coverage under a high-deductible health plan. In a surprising twist, the law allows HSAs to be funded on a pre-tax basis through a...

Medicare bill could usher in new health care system.
January 1, 2004... Though disagreement persists on senior citizens' gains under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act, industry analysts are touting the new law's provisions - especially the addition of health savings accounts - as a...

Time for clients to take a new look at FSAs.(Flexible spending accounts)
January 1, 2004... Flexible spending accounts (FSA) are old dogs doing new tricks. While turnkey products for small groups were once non-existent, benefit advisers say FSA plans are now a viable health care solution causing employer-clients to sit up and take...

The art of the sale: Painting the backdrop for sales, fees and commissions requires an eye for relationship management.
January 1, 2004... It is easy and natural to believe that, because you have worked a long time with a particular client, your relationship is safe. Don't bet on it. If recent research is any indication, consultants - and brokers as well - may be more in...

Getting a grip on consumer-driven health: Brokers adjust to a new hand at the wheel of group health insurance while helping clients and their employees maneuver the twists and turns.
January 1, 2004... Chances are, if you ask many brokers, consultants and health industry experts about the future of consumer-driven health (CDH) plans, they will tell you the road will be mostly smooth, maybe a few bumps here and there, but nothing about which...

Top 10 retirement Web sites for brokers and their clients.
January 1, 2004... Today's employee benefit professionals expect their brokers to be experts, not only in benefit finance, but also in the nitty gritty details of health and retirement plans. It's no wonder more brokers are seeking certifications in programs such...

Training helps brokers navigate the sea of letters.
January 1, 2004... In recent years it seems there has been a rising tide of letters at the heels of brokers' and agents' names. CLU. RHU. ChFC. It is enough to make you feel like you are drowning in a sea of letters. The prevailing opinion seems to be that...

Carrier consolidations could reduce competition and boost premiums.
January 1, 2004... Mergers and acquisitions always have caused ripples in brokers' swimming holes, but the latest battle of the big fish is creating some worrisome waves for advisers and clients. In September, Toronto's Manulife Financial Corp. and Boston's...

How to talk employers through Medicare changes.
January 1, 2004... The big health care news coming into this year has consisted mostly of the recently signed Medicare reform bill, a huge, complicated piece of legislation that has some choice bits for employers - if they could only decipher it. But that...

Deal Makers.
January 1, 2004... * BB&T Insurance Services announced plans to buy McGriff, Seibels & Williams and create the nation's sixth largest insurance broker. Through regular broker acquisitions over the past few years, BB&T has made its insurance operations into the...

BenefitNews.com Aviser.(dental plans)
January 1, 2004... Dental enrollment flattens, discount plans increase membership Despite widespread contention that dental plans, particularly voluntary products, currently are hot, it appears that dental may have lost some of its cachet. Research by...

BenefitNews.com Connect.(EMPLOYEE BENEFITS)
January 1, 2004... New initiative offers small employers 411 on 401(k)s Through a partnership between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Nationwide, small business owners will become more informed on sound practices in operating retirement plans,...