Benefits Manager

The demand for behavioral health has skyrocketed since the pandemic, but 32% of patients do not get the type of visit they want – and many say their clinician doesn't consider their preference, according to a RAND study.

While less than half of large employers currently cover the new generation of obesity drugs, an additional 18% say they're considering adding them amid surging interest, according to findings from Mercer.

Despite improvements in employment and income inequality, the U.S. slipped in the Natixis Global Retirement Index, dropping to 20th place, as high inflation and public debt caused overall retirement security to deteriorate.

Artificial intelligence could reduce clinicians' administrative work and accelerate drug innovation, but the new technology needs oversight, said lawmakers, who met last week to discuss benefits as well as possible threats of AI.

Benefits such as emergency savings accounts and student loan repayment are each offered in only about 5-10% of companies today, however, the new legislation paves the way for real progress to increase savings for more workers.

By embracing flexibility, fostering inclusivity, supporting mental health, and offering growth opportunities, HR leaders can navigate these changes effectively.

Of the $3 trillion spent each year on health care in the U.S., 10% to 30% consists of so-called "low-value care" – when doctors order unnecessary X-rays, EKGs, lab tests and antibiotics, according to multiple estimates.

More than one-third of companies are disclosing individual pay ranges to employees, and an even larger number (46%) are planning or considering doing so in the future.