Health care and the world of employee benefits have been in a state of uncertainty for many years, since long before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect. From political controversy to social media backlash, the general public feels disconnected, disenfranchised, isolated, pessimistic and just plain discouraged. Elected officials in Washington have grown increasingly polarized, and it seems that for every step forward, we take three steps back. But through all the changes and obstacles, employers have continued to push for changes that reduce health care costs and make life better for their employees.

While employers are still concerned about the bottom line, their focus has broadened to include the overall health and well-being of employees and their families. And with good reason. Anxiety and depression have become leading causes of medical expense, while absenteeism and lost productivity are eroding the bottom line. Critical issues like suffering, obesity, and opioid abuse and dependency affect employees beyond the four walls of the workplace and find their way into the workplace through productivity loss and health issues. Consider this: Opioid dependency costs the United States economy $12.4 billion annually in lost productivity alone. Obesity abounds in and out of the workplace — nearly 40 percent of American adults are obese. And nearly 40 million Americans are caregivers for adult family members. Most, if not all, employers can personally relate to one or more of these issues.

As a result, brokers, their employer clients and HR professionals are looking at employee benefits through a new lens driven by the idea that a company’s bottom line and compassionate leadership are not mutually exclusive.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.