Tag

benefits strategy

Sep 29

Benefits Renewal Season: What Mid-Sized Employers Should Be Doing Right Now

By Employee Benefits
If your organization has 50 to 200 employees, benefits renewal season probably feels less like a season and more like a sprint. Renewal notices land, carrier partners set deadlines, and open enrollment is only weeks away. Meanwhile, you still have a business to run. This year, the pressure is real. Mercer's latest national survey projects that employer health benefit costs will rise 8.2% in 2027, the largest jump since 2003. For many mid-sized employers, that means a renewal that is harder to absorb and harder to explain. The good news is that you still have options. Here is what to…
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Nov 03

Cost Control and Compliance: 4 Moves HR and Finance Can Make Now

By Employee Benefits
Benefits costs are rising, and regulations are tightening. HR and Finance leaders face the challenge of managing both without sacrificing employee experience. The risk isn’t just overspending—it’s fines, audits, and eroded trust if compliance slips. The good news? With the right benefits cost control strategies, you can reduce waste, improve compliance, and protect your program from unnecessary risks. Four Benefits Cost Control Strategies to Prioritize 1. Build a Clean Plan-Data Foundation Fragmented documents and outdated agreements make budgeting and compliance harder. Start by inventorying all plans—medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, HSA/FSA/HRA, life, disability, and wellness. Centralize: Current plan documents (SPD, SBC,…
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Oct 30

Smart Design: Beyond the High-Deductible Health Plan

By Employee Benefits
For many Indianapolis employers, the annual benefits renewal cycle presents tough decisions. High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are often chosen to control rising healthcare costs. However, without thoughtful plan design, these plans can shift financial burdens onto employees, leading to delayed care and medical debt. By leveraging strategic plan design, you can create a benefits program that balances affordability with employee well-being. The Pros and Cons of HDHPs HDHPs offer clear advantages, such as lower premiums and tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). For a healthy, financially savvy workforce, this combination can work well. However, without smarter HDHP benefits design, the high…
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