BenefitsPRO Magazine-July 2018
Feature
Partnering with an outsourcing firm enables employers to combine a voluntary benefit strategy with a holistic approach that aligns with the company's benefit objectives.
Here's what benefits brokers and their clients should know about the IRS announcement of an increase to the health savings account (HSA) contribution limits for both single coverage and family coverage for 2019.
Face of Change
Derek Rine started his career disrupting the broker industry, and to him, today's innovative strategies are second nature.
Columnists
If you can find a little of your leftover inner child, it can make this responsibility thing a whole lot more fun.
All segments of voluntary sales distribution except occasional producers saw sales increases this year.
By flipping the frame, we turn bad behavior (not saving) into good behavior (saving).
In two true-life stories, Marty reflects on how different airlines handled overbooked flights and the resulting customer satisfaction.
Letter from the Editor
Democrats' and Republicans' argument over the high health care costs rages on; who will be left with the blame this time?
Action/Reaction
We asked our readers what effect artificial intelligence and future technology will have on their business. Here's what we heard.
Trending Stories
- 1Parental Burnout: Strategies for a Healthier, More Engaged Workforce
- 2UnitedHealth CEO to testify before Congress about cyberattack that could cost firm $1.6B
- 3FTC, DOJ, HHS launch health care antitrust portal for unfair competition 'complaints'
- 4What President Biden's paid leave proposal means for HR teams
- 5UnitedHealth admits ransom was paid to bad actors, 'substantial' data stolen in hack
{
"data": {
"slug": "benefitspro-magazine-july-2018",
"title": "BenefitsPRO Magazine-July 2018",
"type": "issue",
"packageUrl": "",
"summary": "",
"cssFile": "",
"imageUrl": "//www.almcms.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/06/BPRO-0718-Cover.jpg",
"mediaUrl": "",
"blurb": "",
"articles": [
{
"uri": "/2018/05/02/5-most-common-and-5-most-expensive-pet-insurance-claims/",
"title": "5 most common and 5 most expensive pet insurance claims",
"summary": "The pet health insurance industry posted another record year in 2017, with the total number of pets insured in the U.S. and Canada reaching over 2 million.",
"byline": "Katie Kuehner-Hebert",
"kicker": "Slideshow",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 02, 2018",
"wordcount": "381",
"timeToRead": "2 minute",
"readtime": "2",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/katie-kuehner-hebert/",
"name": "Katie Kuehner-Hebert"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/slideshow/",
"sectionName": "Slideshow"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/05/00Intro.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/04/16/6-factors-to-consider-when-looking-for-a-voluntary-benefits-outsourcing-firm/",
"title": "6 factors to consider when looking for a voluntary-benefits outsourcing firm",
"summary": "Partnering with an outsourcing firm enables employers to combine a voluntary benefit strategy with a holistic approach that aligns with the company's benefit objectives.",
"byline": "Peter Marcia",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "April 16, 2018",
"wordcount": "1082",
"timeToRead": "6 minute",
"readtime": "6",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/peter-marcia/",
"name": "Peter Marcia"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/04/BenefitsPUzzle.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "400"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/18/2019-hsa-contribution-limits-what-advisors-employers-and-employees-need-to-know/",
"title": "2019 HSA contribution limits: What advisors, employers and employees need to know",
"summary": "Here's what benefits brokers and their clients should know about the IRS announcement of an increase to the health savings account (HSA) contribution limits for both single coverage and family coverage for 2019.",
"byline": "Andrew Gertz",
"kicker": "",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 18, 2018",
"wordcount": "989",
"timeToRead": "5 minute",
"readtime": "5",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/andrew-gertz/",
"name": "Andrew Gertz"
}
],
"kickerNode": [],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/05/HSA.jpg",
"width": "614",
"height": "410"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/02/health-care-hot-potato/",
"title": "Health care hot potato",
"summary": "Democrats' and Republicans' argument over the high health care costs rages on; who will be left with the blame this time?",
"byline": "Paul Wilson",
"kicker": "Editor's Letter",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "July 02, 2018",
"wordcount": "444",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/",
"name": "Paul Wilson"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/editors-letter/",
"sectionName": "Editor's Letter"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/PaulWilson2-e1525270605838.jpg",
"width": "300",
"height": "342"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/11/you-cant-afford-not-to-innovate-a-qa-with-derek-rine/",
"title": "You can't afford not to innovate: A Q&A with Derek Rine",
"summary": "Derek Rine started his career disrupting the broker industry, and to him, today's innovative strategies are second nature.",
"byline": "Paul Wilson",
"kicker": "Q&A",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "July 11, 2018",
"wordcount": "1452",
"timeToRead": "8 minute",
"readtime": "8",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/",
"name": "Paul Wilson"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/q-and-a/",
"sectionName": "Q&A"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/06/Rine-Derek-MI.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/03/a-tipping-point-for-lgbt-policies-in-the-workplace/",
"title": "A tipping point for LGBT policies in the workplace",
"summary": "Evolving policies and societal attitudes about LGBT benefits create opportunities for brokers.",
"byline": "Alan Goforth",
"kicker": "Best Practices",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "July 03, 2018",
"wordcount": "1232",
"timeToRead": "7 minute",
"readtime": "7",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/alan-goforth/",
"name": "Alan Goforth"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/best-practices/",
"sectionName": "Best Practices"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/06/0718-Workplace-Discrimination-MI.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/20/how-will-ai-affect-your-business/",
"title": "How will AI affect your business?",
"summary": "We asked our readers what effect artificial intelligence and future technology will have on their business. Here's what we heard. ",
"byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors",
"kicker": "Conversation",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "July 20, 2018",
"wordcount": "1136",
"timeToRead": "6 minute",
"readtime": "6",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/",
"name": "BenefitsPRO Editors"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/conversation/",
"sectionName": "Conversation"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/07/0718-Action-Reaction-MI.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/16/sales-lessons-from-your-much-younger-self/",
"title": "Sales lessons from your (much) younger self",
"summary": "If you can find a little of your leftover inner child, it can make this responsibility thing a whole lot more fun.",
"byline": "Kevin Trokey",
"kicker": "Quick Takes",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "July 16, 2018",
"wordcount": "586",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/kevin-trokey/",
"name": "Kevin Trokey"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/quick-takes/",
"sectionName": "Quick Takes"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_11_img001.jpg",
"width": "200",
"height": "245"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/17/more-positive-signs-for-voluntary/",
"title": "More positive signs for voluntary",
"summary": "All segments of voluntary sales distribution except occasional producers saw sales increases this year. ",
"byline": "Bonnie Brazzell and Nick Rockwell",
"kicker": "Chart",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "July 17, 2018",
"wordcount": "418",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/bonnie-brazzell/",
"name": "Bonnie Brazzell"
},
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/nick-rockwell/",
"name": "Nick Rockwell"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/chart/",
"sectionName": "Chart"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/07/Bonnie-Brazzell-Nick-Rockwell-MI-1.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/12/turn-bad-behavior-on-its-head/",
"title": "Turn bad behavior on its head",
"summary": "By flipping the frame, we turn bad behavior (not saving) into good behavior (saving).",
"byline": "Christopher Carosa",
"kicker": "Best Practices",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "July 12, 2018",
"wordcount": "515",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/christopher-carosa/",
"name": "Christopher Carosa"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/best-practices/",
"sectionName": "Best Practices"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_08_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "567"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/10/proactive-customer-service-2-cautionary-tales/",
"title": "Proactive customer service: 2 cautionary tales",
"summary": "In two true-life stories, Marty reflects on how different airlines handled overbooked flights and the resulting customer satisfaction.",
"byline": "Marty Traynor",
"kicker": "Commentary",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "July 10, 2018",
"wordcount": "592",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/marty-traynor/",
"name": "Marty Traynor"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/commentary/",
"sectionName": "Commentary"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_03_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "657"
}
}
],
"navigations": [
{
"name": "Feature",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/04/16/6-factors-to-consider-when-looking-for-a-voluntary-benefits-outsourcing-firm/",
"title": "6 factors to consider when looking for a voluntary-benefits outsourcing firm",
"byline": "Peter Marcia",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"summary": "Partnering with an outsourcing firm enables employers to combine a voluntary benefit strategy with a holistic approach that aligns with the company's benefit objectives.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/peter-marcia/",
"name": "Peter Marcia"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"readtime": "6",
"prettyDate": "April 16, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/04/BenefitsPUzzle.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "400"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/18/2019-hsa-contribution-limits-what-advisors-employers-and-employees-need-to-know/",
"title": "2019 HSA contribution limits: What advisors, employers and employees need to know",
"byline": "Andrew Gertz",
"kicker": "",
"summary": "Here's what benefits brokers and their clients should know about the IRS announcement of an increase to the health savings account (HSA) contribution limits for both single coverage and family coverage for 2019.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/andrew-gertz/",
"name": "Andrew Gertz"
}
],
"kickerNode": [],
"readtime": "5",
"prettyDate": "May 18, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/05/HSA.jpg",
"width": "614",
"height": "410"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Cover Story",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/07/03/a-tipping-point-for-lgbt-policies-in-the-workplace/",
"title": "A tipping point for LGBT policies in the workplace",
"byline": "Alan Goforth",
"kicker": "Best Practices",
"summary": "Evolving policies and societal attitudes about LGBT benefits create opportunities for brokers.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/alan-goforth/",
"name": "Alan Goforth"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/best-practices/",
"sectionName": "Best Practices"
}
],
"readtime": "7",
"prettyDate": "July 03, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/06/0718-Workplace-Discrimination-MI.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Face of Change",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/07/11/you-cant-afford-not-to-innovate-a-qa-with-derek-rine/",
"title": "You can't afford not to innovate: A Q&A with Derek Rine",
"byline": "Paul Wilson",
"kicker": "Q&A",
"summary": "Derek Rine started his career disrupting the broker industry, and to him, today's innovative strategies are second nature.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/",
"name": "Paul Wilson"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/q-and-a/",
"sectionName": "Q&A"
}
],
"readtime": "8",
"prettyDate": "July 11, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/06/Rine-Derek-MI.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Columnists",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/07/16/sales-lessons-from-your-much-younger-self/",
"title": "Sales lessons from your (much) younger self",
"byline": "Kevin Trokey",
"kicker": "Quick Takes",
"summary": "If you can find a little of your leftover inner child, it can make this responsibility thing a whole lot more fun.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/kevin-trokey/",
"name": "Kevin Trokey"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/quick-takes/",
"sectionName": "Quick Takes"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "July 16, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_11_img001.jpg",
"width": "200",
"height": "245"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/17/more-positive-signs-for-voluntary/",
"title": "More positive signs for voluntary",
"byline": "Bonnie Brazzell and Nick Rockwell",
"kicker": "Chart",
"summary": "All segments of voluntary sales distribution except occasional producers saw sales increases this year. ",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/bonnie-brazzell/",
"name": "Bonnie Brazzell"
},
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/nick-rockwell/",
"name": "Nick Rockwell"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/chart/",
"sectionName": "Chart"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "July 17, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/07/Bonnie-Brazzell-Nick-Rockwell-MI-1.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/12/turn-bad-behavior-on-its-head/",
"title": "Turn bad behavior on its head",
"byline": "Christopher Carosa",
"kicker": "Best Practices",
"summary": "By flipping the frame, we turn bad behavior (not saving) into good behavior (saving).",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/christopher-carosa/",
"name": "Christopher Carosa"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/best-practices/",
"sectionName": "Best Practices"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "July 12, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_08_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "567"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/07/10/proactive-customer-service-2-cautionary-tales/",
"title": "Proactive customer service: 2 cautionary tales",
"byline": "Marty Traynor",
"kicker": "Commentary",
"summary": "In two true-life stories, Marty reflects on how different airlines handled overbooked flights and the resulting customer satisfaction.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/marty-traynor/",
"name": "Marty Traynor"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/commentary/",
"sectionName": "Commentary"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "July 10, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_03_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "657"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Letter from the Editor",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/07/02/health-care-hot-potato/",
"title": "Health care hot potato",
"byline": "Paul Wilson",
"kicker": "Editor's Letter",
"summary": "Democrats' and Republicans' argument over the high health care costs rages on; who will be left with the blame this time?",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/",
"name": "Paul Wilson"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/editors-letter/",
"sectionName": "Editor's Letter"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "July 02, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/PaulWilson2-e1525270605838.jpg",
"width": "300",
"height": "342"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Action/Reaction",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/07/20/how-will-ai-affect-your-business/",
"title": "How will AI affect your business?",
"byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors",
"kicker": "Conversation",
"summary": "We asked our readers what effect artificial intelligence and future technology will have on their business. Here's what we heard. ",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/",
"name": "BenefitsPRO Editors"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/conversation/",
"sectionName": "Conversation"
}
],
"readtime": "6",
"prettyDate": "July 20, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/07/0718-Action-Reaction-MI.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
}
]
}
],
"sponsors": []
}
}