What’s Driving Benefit Costs Up 7% for 2024?
U.S. employers should brace for a 7% hike in healthcare costs next year, fueled largely by chronic conditions, costly prescriptions, and catastrophic claims, according to new data.
Support Your Staff as They Transition Back to Student Loan Payments
Now that federal student loan payments have restarted after a nearly three-year pause, HR teams can play a key role in supporting employees through this transition. With over 45 million Americans holding $1.77 trillion in stu¬dent debt, many workers face renewed financial burdens from monthly payments.
Wrongful Collection of Data Explained
Businesses of all sizes and sectors may be subject to unlawful data processing claims. According to the International Association of Privacy Professionals, lawsuits focusing on whether businesses lawfully collect and use personal data have been steadily increasing. These claims can cause significant financial and reputational damage to companies.
OSHA Announces Top 10 Violations for 2023
OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2023 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them the information they need to plan their compliance programs.
4 Key Trends Driving Employer Healthcare Costs in 2024
Amid ongoing inflation pressures, employees and employers alike can expect their healthcare costs to increase in 2024. Global professional services firm Aon reported that health care costs for employers will grow by 8.5% in 2024 (to more than $15,000 per employee), nearly double 2023’s figure. In line with those findings, the Business Group on Health’s 2024 Large Employer Health Care Strategy Survey predicts a 6% increase in health care costs in 2024.
Tornado Preparedness Tips for School Administrators
Tornadoes occur with the greatest frequency during late spring and early summer months between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), every one of Texas’ 254 counties has seen at least one tornado between 1950 and 2023. The most active region in Texas for tornados is the Red River Valley of North Texas.
PPACA Penalties Pack a Punch: What Employers Need to Know
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly known as Obamacare, levies hefty penalties on employers who do not comply with key provisions of the law.
Seven Open Enrollment Tips for Communicating Benefits
This year’s open enrollment period presents some unique challenges for employers looking to effectively communicate benefits options to employees. With rising healthcare costs, high inflation, a hybrid workforce split between office and remote settings, and workers facing mounting financial pressures, it is more important than ever for organizations to get open enrolment right.
Virtual Physical Therapy: An Employer’s Secret Weapon Against Opioids
The opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across America, taking over 41 lives per day and costing billions in lost productivity and increased healthcare expenses. As employers seek solutions to keep their workforce safe and productive, virtual physical therapy has emerged as an innovative approach.
How Smart Employers are Using Second Opinions to Avoid Unneeded Surgeries
When employees require surgery, the costs to employers can be immense—not only the direct medical bills but also lost productivity from time off work. However, a growing number of employers are realizing that many recommended surgeries may be unnecessary. By offering employees access to second opinion consultations through virtual health partners, employers can enjoy significant savings per avoided surgery while improving worker health outcomes.