Cost-Containment

An aging work force and growing unhealthy habits are leading companies to integrate disability plans with other benefit lines.

American General Benefits Solutions’ multi-product program offers employers a way to hold down costs, while providing more insurance product choices to employees.

Democrats on the House Committee on Small Business note that ACA tax credit for small business owners led to an increased health insurance coverage rate for employees

Leaders’ commitment to corporate wellness programs help spur employee engagement in such programs, but other factors, such as education, need to be considered as well.

A poll of 804 California small business owners revealed that 43 percent of those surveyed would be more likely to offer health insurance benefits if they had more information about key provisions geared toward small business owners from the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Six out of 10 employers hope Congress will repeal health care reform while seven in 10 employers do not believe the legislation will alleviate health care costs, according to Health Care Reform 360, a national study by Market Strategies International.

More than 40 percent of employers say they are likely to pass along cost increases to workers, and about half of workers expect their health benefit costs to go up whether directly or indirectly related to the PPACA.