The days of employer-paid benefits are disappearing faster thana snow cone in July—especially when you consider that mostcompanies aren't helping to offset the costs for much more thanmajor medical and physician care for their workers. And, thesticker shock for premium increases has just barely begun. However,in spite of increased health care costs, voluntary benefits arestill popular even if employees are left to pick up the tab.

According to Transamerica Employee Benefits, 65 percent ofemployees say it's important that their employer offer theseproducts. However, 47 percent of employees surveyed haven't beenoffered an additional voluntary product since the PatientProtection and Affordable Care Act was implemented in 2010.

According to TEB, the voluntary products becoming increasinglymore important due to PPACA include critical illness, accident,supplemental, hospital indemnity and cancer, and dental and visionpolicies.