Voluntary Benefits

A non-network plan proposal could help companies like Sidecar and Imagine360 compete with the HMOs and the PPOs.

Consumers are increasingly using HSAs to purchase over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, and wellness products alongside everyday purchases.

The GOP changes also caused 477 health care sector layoffs, two lawmakers say.

One team is drafting a paper about the hybrid health plans. Another is talking about employer frustrations.

"The research report findings point to clear opportunities to reduce friction in enrollment and administration and to strengthen education so employers and employees can make more confident decisions about voluntary benefits," said Bridget Bearden, director of membership growth and partnerships, EBRI.

Fox and Murtagh noted that some states already impose controls on hospitals' prices, and that the controls can take different forms, such as a flat cap on prices or a limit on price increases.