Consumer Driven Health Care

The software giant is set to buy Nuance Communications in its aim to free doctors from note-taking and better predict a patient's needs.

Increased flexibility and contributions will accelerate growth.

Medical debt continues to be the number-one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with 62% of all bankruptcies caused by medical bills.

Harvard researchers examined how the added cost of time and decision-making create barriers to retaining insurance coverage.

Researchers found that for $1,646 saved on lower-acuity emergency department visits $6,327 was spent in urgent care center costs.

An important role for benefits brokers is helping their clients navigate this new world. For many brokers, this will mean expanding their product portfolio, as employers will be adding more voluntary benefits, such as financial well-being options, to their offerings.