Healthcare

Behind the benefits game-changer for this 24K-employee school district

Employees at Florida's Orange County Public Schools now have access to an advanced primary care model that leaders say is boosting employee health and business outcomes.

Prepare for climate-driven health costs now—before they hit the bottom line

Climate risks aren’t theoretical—they are already affecting employee health and productivity and impacting medical claims, write these healthcare and climate experts.

Hybrid work and employee health: fewer sick days, less stress

While some employers are demanding a return to the office, new research finds flexible work options can provide meaningful improvements to employee wellbeing.

5 secrets to finding a PBM that puts employees first

Selecting the right PBM is critical, but it doesn’t need to be so hard. Here are simple strategies to ensure you work with a member-focused, transparent PBM.

Why these male-dominated unions just added fertility benefits

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and National Electrical Contractors Association, which serve more than 671,000 individuals, rolled out fertility benefits in 2024, highlighting a growing trend.

How digital twin tech can make a big difference in employers’ GLP-1 costs

In 2022, Dayforce adopted digital twin technology to help employees manage diabetes, and it has since expanded the tool to include weight management. This comes as soaring employer costs for GLP-1s continue to concern HR and benefits leaders.

4 macro trends shaping employee benefits this year

From a multigenerational workforce to rising pharmacy costs, these four trends in employee benefits—identified in a new report by Marsh McLennan Agency—are poised to impact the benefits landscape in the long term.

Women’s health benefits: Will interest spike with the new administration?

Employer interest in fertility and menopause programs, for example, skyrocketed in recent years, which may continue in the current political environment, experts say.

Will a new FTC report finally help rein in out-of-control pharmacy costs?

The federal agency recently called out the nation’s leading pharmacy benefit managers for inflating prices, driving up pharmacy costs for both employers and employees.

9 federal health policies that could change with the Trump administration

The new president and Republican-controlled Congress likely will take significant actions affecting employer-sponsored healthcare. Employers should consider these actions when designing employee health strategy.

6 hot benefits topics for HR leaders to watch this year

Paul Fronstin of the Employee Benefit Research Institute expects 2025 will bring continued challenges with rising healthcare and pharmacy costs, along with newer concerns with data integration and AI use.

3 healthcare shifts to watch for under the Trump administration

On a recent WTW webinar, benefits experts explored how federal healthcare strategies impacting insurers and employers could change with the incoming Trump administration.

Why HR needs better ways to manage the rising cost of specialty drugs

The rising cost of specialty drugs presents a significant challenge for employers, but it is possible to manage costs while optimizing employee health, this expert writes.

Pharmacies are closing nationwide. How is this affecting employees—and HR?

Pharmacy closures reduce access to healthcare services and create a public healthcare concern for insured employees. Solutions like personalized medication management are imperative to help reduce this crisis.

A majority of employees regret their open enrollment decisions. What can HR do?

More than half of employees surveyed recently said they're disappointed in their open enrollment choices last year, with Gen Z registering the most regret. Here is what HR leaders can do to help.

Substance use disorders: Do you really know the best way to help employees?

Post-COVID, more Americans are dealing with substance use disorders, which can have significant reverberations in the workplace.

4 tips to increase HSA and FSA adoption and engagement

This open enrollment season, benefits leaders should be proactive about reintroducing employees to their HSA and FSA options, in order to drive adoption, this expert writes.

Delivering bad news about benefits? How to improve your strategy

This open enrollment season, one expert shares how HR leaders can improve their communication when delivering news about benefits changes.

Why more than 40% of U.S. employers now offer fertility benefits

As more employers invest in fertility-related benefits, they are focusing on such offerings as fertility medications, in-vitro fertilization and non-IVF treatments.

How priorities for employee benefits are shifting in 2025

With concerns about rapidly rising costs, this is the first time in many years that mental health is not employers' top employee benefits priority for the year ahead.

Why erectile dysfunction is costing U.S. employers $9.3 billion a year

Many male employees with erectile dysfunction suffer from productivity loss at work and lack employer support to address related physical and mental wellbeing challenges. Here’s how employee benefits can help.

15-year high? Employer healthcare spending forecast to soar in year ahead

The 'staggering' cost of pharmacy drugs is driving most of the increase, says Ellen Kelsay of the Business Group on Health, which released new data this week.

5 key voluntary benefits to watch in 2025

A handful of these voluntary benefits are perennial favorites with employers, while others, like identity theft protection plans, are gaining steam among offerings.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy: ‘the beginning’ of a health benefits trend?

The FDA's decision on Aug. 9, 2024, not to approve MDMA to treat PTSD marks a blow to a small but growing number of employers offering healthcare coverage for psychedelic drugs to treat mental health issues like depression.