- 8 In 10 Employers Admit Widespread Worry About Employees’ Financial Woes
Their workers are struggling financially as they wrestle with retirement savings, personal and tuition debt, and medical costs
Eight in 10 employers say their employees are struggling financially as they face persistent problems such as saving for retirement, paying down debt and dealing with medical expenses, to name a few, according to new research from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company...
read more - More Than Half of Americans Have Avoided Medical Care Due To Cost
For most, prices are a priority
If there is one thing a majority of Americans can agree on, it's that healthcare costs are too expensive and they want upfront pricing. HealthPocket, a free information source designed to help consumers find medical coverage today released results of a pulse survey which found that 85% of U.S. adults think that healthcare costs in…
read more - Quick… How Well Do Your Clients Understand Their Benefits?
How slowing down can boost enrollment season satisfaction
by Steven Johnson
During a busy enrollment season benefits experts and their client’s employees can completely miss out on a satisfying enrollment experience. It’s understandable.
read more - Empower Institute Explores View of a Retirement System in ‘Crisis’
Analysis of research and data shows today’s working Americans will likely have more money in retirement than previous generations
Analysis of research and data shows today’s working Americans will likely have more money in retirement than previous generations October 31, 2019 — GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American workers have greater access to workplace retirement plans than previous generations, they are saving more and are expected to have more money in retirement — all factors that…
read more - Higher Debt in U.S. Health Insurance Segment Recognizes Lower Interest Rates
The aggregate debt-to-capital ratio rose to 43% by year-end 2018 from 33% in the first quarter of 2009
Total debt obligations among U.S. publicly traded health insurance companies have grown considerably in the last decade, to $115.5 billion in 2018 from $24.8 billion in 2009, as carriers have been taking advantage of low interest rates to support their diversification and acquisition efforts, according to a new AM Best report.
read more - Employees Stressed Over Possibility Of 401(k) Loan Defaults
Loan leakage now seen as a critical retirement readiness, financial wellness, and fiduciary challenge
While employees appreciate being able to take 401(k) loans in case of financial emergency—20 percent of all 401(k) participants currently have loans outstanding—the possibility of not being able to repay those loans is stressing employees out, according to a new independent study released today by Custodia Financial...
read more - Considerable Change Ahead for U.S. Health Insurers
Fitch: There is potential for meaningful disruption on the horizon
While change in the U.S. healthcare system is nothing new for insurers, we see few indications that it will subside in the near future, said Brad Ellis, Senior Director, Fitch Ratings. As healthcare costs continue to increase at an unsustainable pace, the risk of disruption from regulation increases.
read more - Defining What Good Customer Experience Looks Like Is the First Step Toward Achieving It
We all know it when we see it...
We all know good customer experience when we see it. For life insurance and annuity carriers, however, it is often hard to define and measure good customer experience.
read more - The Rise Of The Un-Retirees…
Majority of Americans Plan to Continue Working in Retirement
Employees age 65 and older currently make up the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce. In fact, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of TD Ameritrade, the majority of Americans age 40 and older plan to continue working in a paid position after retiring.
read more - Equity Plan Participants Average Nearly $100,000 in Vested Stock; Less Than Half Have Ever Sold or Exercised Their Shares
Schwab Study: It's worth considering the value of equity compensation in the context of your overall financial picture
According to new research from Schwab Stock Plan Services, the average vested value of U.S. workers’ equity compensation is $97,711 and the average total value of their equity compensation is $149,835.
read more - More Than Half of U.S. Adults Say Financial Stress Negatively Affects Their Health & Work Performance
Anxiety so deep that they're afraid to even look in their mailboxes
Stressed about money? Consumers who are afraid to look in their mailbox and see another credit card bill or bank statement are not alone. New research from Lincoln Financial Group shows that over half of U.S. adults surveyed say financial stress negatively impacted their personal health and work performance in 2018.
read more - Asset Allocation in 401(k) Plans Found to Often Change Significantly When Rolled Over to IRAs
Despite considerable educational effort, participants are often 'lost' once assets are moved
A new EBRI study suggests the asset allocation found in individual retirement accounts (IRAs) is often inconsistent with the asset allocation found in the 401(k) plans prior to rolling funds over into IRAs. The Issue Brief, “Comparing Asset Allocation Before and After a Rollover From 401(k) Plans to Individual Retirement Accounts,” finds that despite the…
read more - U.S. workers Gamble With Health Insurance Benefits
Half of workers will choose a high-deductible health plan, yet lack cash for out-of-pocket costs
Nearly half (49%) of U.S. workers plan to enroll in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) for the 2020 benefit season, according to employee benefits provider Unum (NYSE: UNM). However, 41% don’t plan on meeting their deductible in 2019 and 39% found it difficult to pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by their health insurance, especially…
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