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The article focuses on the two-pronged approach of Jackson Laboratory, a genetic research laboratory and supplier of strains in mice for laboratory testing. It says that Jackson Laboratory was getting killed on cost so they developed two-pronged approach. It states that the approach is to drive employees to utilize the more cost-efficient and outcome-based area hospital and build health incentives into its benefit design.

The article focuses on the increase of awareness on HIV/AIDS. According to the Antiretoviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration, the innovations in treatment protocol, greater education and awareness have helped newly infected people to live 30-40 more years after diagnosis. Moreover, it notes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established a national Workplace HIV/AIDS program. INSET: Employer ordered to pay for firing HIV-positive employee.

The article focuses on the issues for child obesity and the role of employers to address the issue. It says that obesity in children raises health costs and raising risks for Type II diabetes. It adds that workplace wellness initiatives of employers have focused on targeting eating habits of parents, which they consider to affect eating of their children. It also mentions the creation of the Eat, Move, Play, America! (EMPA) Program, which helps parents to reinforce healthy habits for children.

The article focuses on the adoption-friendly benefit program of companies in the U.S. Information is given on several issues involved in the adoption-friendly benefit program, including the cost of adopting a child from a public agency and the competitive advantage given to employers in terms of recruiting and retaining employees. A list of top companies included in the 2013 top 100 "Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces List" is presented, including Wendy's Co., HanesBrands, and Kao USA Inc.

The article focuses on health insurance exchanges in the U.S. It states that as employees wait for the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Patient Protection and Affordable Act, they try to seek coverage from state-run insurance exchanges. However, fifteen states in the country have no or little progress on state exchanges implementation and that Utah and Massachusetts were the only states with functioning exchanges.

The article focuses on the significance of the "Employment Benefit News'" Open Enrollment Boot Camp series, which suggests the integration of wellness programs that can bring legal services and physical wellness to workers. Chief executive officer (CEO) Liz Davidson of Financial Finesse Inc. states that the programs would provide more incentives to employees. Moreover, a case study from Financial Finesse on the return on investment of Fortune 500 firms is discussed.

In this article, the author discusses the hiring procedure of Zappos.Com Inc., an online shoe and apparel company. It mentions that the company conducts a phone screening of a candidate, as its first round of interview. It informs that Zappos is clear about what their culture is. It reveals that Zappos targets soft skills for hard returns of employers, hard skills necessary for the job, and an onsite interview to get a real feel for who the candidate is.

The article discusses the history of mental health parity legislation called the 1996 Mental Health Parity Act introduced in the U.S. It mentions that the legislation needed no lifetime or annual dollar limits for mental health benefits that were lower than those for medical benefits. It highlights the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), which was passed after more than a decade. It informs that MHPAEA became effective on October 3, 2009.

The article presents information on digitization of health care programs. Experts have predicted that massive changes will be experienced in the way health care is delivered in the next 10 years. Medical providers have been slow in adopting electronic recordkeeping systems because employers haven't demanded that they do so. According to a recent survey about 29% of employers wouldn't be willing to pay more for a health plan that used electronic means to monitor a patient's condition.

The article focuses on the significance of parental leave for women employees in the U.S. It talks about the changes in the household gender role and the child rearing responsibility among men and women. It adds that parental leave, which is not part of the short-term disability (STD), has given parents more time at home after childbirth or an adoption. It also looks into the growing expectations of parental leave such as including flexible work.

The article discusses opportunities and challenges for employers as debates on the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS) is progressing in the U.S. It relates that the measure would have created a national voluntary insurance program to give working adults the opportunity to plan for future long-term care needs by giving a cash benefit. It discusses the statement of Jesse Slome of an insurance company and Steve Cain of LTCI Partners about the long-term care insurance.

The article focuses on the need for Millennial or Generation Y employees to start saving for retirement in the U.S. It notes that a Generation Y member will require at least twice the amount of money to retire. Craig Hogan, Scottrade Advisory Services director of customer intelligence, says that majority of registered investment advisors (RIAs) suggest the need for younger generations to start saving as early as possible and set their retirement goals higher than other generations.

The article focuses on the findings of a National Business Group on Health survey, which shows that employers are looking for various cost-sharing strategies like consumer-driven health plan (CDHP) premium boosts, to control their health care benefit costs. According to the survey, employers predict that their health care benefit costs will rise by 7.2% in 2012.

The article offers information on a survey by the company National Business Group on Health, on strategies of U.S. employers for health benefit plans in 2012. In the survey, employers have estimated that costs of health care benefits would rise by 7.2 percent in 2012. 53 percent respondents in the survey said that they are planning to increase the percentage of employees contributing to consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs), while 39 percent said they are planning to raise in-network deductibles.

The article focuses on employee health care cost with specific reference to the use of cost transparency tools which enable employees understand health care's real expenses. It discusses growing range of such tools and how they help employees make better decisions. It discusses the views of several health care analysts including Mike Thompson, a principal at PriceWaterhouse-Coopers, who focuses on health care and benefits.

The article focuses on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reviews of premium rates of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPCA) in September 2012. Liazon Corp. co-founder Allen Cohen says that premium rate increases may differ depending on the size of the employer. Some experts believe that the reviews are politically motivated. However, premium hikes do not drive costs but underlying medical and administrative costs.

The article focuses on the results of the study by the Institute for Women's Policy Research and nonprofit CLASP on employee leaves in the form of paid time-off (PTO) bank in the U.S. It states that lower-wage employees with paid leave are less likely to have access to a PTO bank. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on PTO banks for 2010-2011 is discussed. It also notes questions regarding employers' policy for unused PTO at the end of the year.

The article discusses the perspectives of employers and employees with regards to achieving retirement preparedness, with 401(k) plans. According to the two studies of Schwab Retirement Plan Services Inc., almost all of the employees are financially unprepared and unengaged for retirement. Moreover, findings of a survey of executives concerning their views on the 401(k) plans reveal the different perceptions of employers and employees on retirement planning.

An interview with Prudential Retirement executive Christine Marcks is presented. She explains why guaranteed-income products were taken out from the equation initially. She discusses how small employers could begin providing retirement plans. Moreover, she comments on why women lag behind in terms of retirement readiness and confidence.

The article focuses on the importance of supporting expatriates toward successful assignments, as they are vulnerable to mental health disorders and substance abuse. It features doctor Sean Truman who established The Truman Group, designed to serve expatriates like him by helping them deal with health and emotional issues through Skype. It discusses the benefits of employee assistance program (EAP) for expatriates offered by Chestnut Global Partners (CGP) and E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

The article focuses on the results of the annual Retirement Confidence Survey of the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) in Washington, D.C. It states that the number of those planning to work longer has increased while many retirees said that they were forced to retire due to poor health. It says that only 14% are very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably. Moreover, 37% workers said that they are expecting to retire after the age of 65.

The article focuses on the barriers to care due to lack of access and shortages in health care providers, which frustrate mental health providers and patients in searching covered care. It explores the problems with the ghost networks and network adequacy, wherein, providers may be fully contracted and others may not be available to patients. It adds that benefit professionals can be proactive by breaking down ghost networks through the U.S. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

The article offers information on various strategies on how to secure retirement savings. According to the brief issued by Institutional Retirement Income Council (IRIC), retirees need to maintain a safe withdrawal rate which is less than 6% each year. It states that retirees must consider longevity probabilities, impact of inflation, and asset allocation. It mentions stable-value funds that offers retirees with steady returns and principal protection approach.

The article focuses on the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which requires employers to cover the costs of contraception on their health plans to insurers. It mentions that the new regulation of the administration of the U.S. President Barack Obama might contribute to a higher pharmacy expenses. However, it says that the various individual likened the contraception coverage of the new regulation.

The article focuses on the stakes for creating successful multicultural benefits communication raised by the training sessions in hiring and the rising health care costs. It says that the lack of knowledge concerning the health benefit and open enrollment can produce a less productive population. According to director Jim Kohler, educating the employees about the health care system in the U.S. is an essential part of effective communication.

The article reports that health care analytics technology is breaking down information silos, improving health care coordination, outcomes as well as costs. One of the main question around health care analytics tools is whether they deliver a return on investment. Vital Spring Technologies' chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Screed Potarazu said that the challenge a lot employers face e today is that companies make health care decisions without any background in health care.

The article discusses aspects of the retirement planning of women in the U.S. The author talks about the increase in the number of women entering the education system and the workforce in the nation. She also talks about the important role of flexible work options, financial education in the workplace, 401k plans with options for annuities and long-term disability insurance (LTD) in helping them with retirement planning.

The article discusses the move of Vision Service Plan, the largest vision carrier in the U.S., to discontinue in-network coverage for popular frames distributed by Aspex Eyewear Group. The author talks about the lawsuit failed by Aspex to Altair Eyewear Inc. for patent infringement claiming that their product was stolen. She also looks into the effects of the coverage battle between vision carrier and frame-maker on the vision benefits employees.

The article presents information on the use of social media by companies. According to the findings of a recent survey, companies that adopt social media are 2.4 to 6.3 percent more likely to be effective in communication as compared to those that did not embrace social media. The survey also found that 64% respondents are more knowledgeable about using social media.

The article presents information on the findings of a Fidelity Investments survey according to which annual participant contribution to 401 (k) plans has increased.

The article reports that increasing number of companies are pushing progressive benefits. According to a report, 33% of major employers offer transgender inclusive benefits. A survey conducted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in 2009 reported that 97% of transgender people experienced harassment or mistreatment in employment.

The article discusses the statement of several experts on the recruitment of young employees by American companies to replace their old personnel. Professor Carol Ann Caccioppoli of the Adelphi University talks about lifetime careers. William G. Bliss, president of Bliss & Associates Inc., emphasizes the high cost of replacing an employee. Shebani Patel of PricewaterhouseCoopers Saratoga claims that the worry of employers about these moves is what the impact it will be on the future.

The article discusses the services for caregivers including special-needs care seminars, advice, and workplace support. According to Diane Carruba, caregiver, a special-needs planning seminar changes her life, wherein she learned about government benefits, future medical and housing needs. Meanwhile, Kathleen Kelly, executive director at the National Center on Caregiving, states that practical supports are needed before someone attain to winding down work responsibilities.

The article discusses the issues concerning the proposals to change the existing tax treatment of 401 (k) retirement plan. It mentions that the federal tax code capped the combination of worker an employer contributions. Moreover, it notes that the 20/20 cap included by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in their report "The Moment of Truth."

The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages to consider in benefits outsourcing. According to Jeff Croyle, partner and managing director for TPI's human resources (HR) practice, changing HR from a back-office administrative role into a main business partner is one of the objectives. Meanwhile, Glenn Neville, practice leader at Towers Watson, states that outsourcing provides a greater level of expertise, whether it be expertise in technology or in the people.

The article reports on the closure of Nationwide Better Health Inc., part of National Mutual Insurance Co., after five years in the wellness and productivity business. The company has announced that it would sell its productivity services to Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc. According to company president Terri Hill, the economic downturn was the biggest external factor that affected their business.

The article offers pieces of advice from Wayne Bogosian and Greg Limoges, vice president of global compensation and benefits of Forrester Research Inc., for searching and selecting a right retirement plan provider. Bogosian and Limoges provide four steps in doing a provider search, which include decision making, request for proposal (RFP) distribution, and selection of finalists. They also recommend criteria for choosing a plan provider.

The article reports that leaders of organizations can learn how to use social networks to lengthen their professional reach and improve their companies.

The article presents information about top 10 companies for employee's financial security. The companies include Associates for International Research Inc., Consolidated Federal Credit Union, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical graduates etc. All the 10 companies have personalized communication around their benefit program. The winning companies used employee surveys, focus groups and employee committees to understand employee needs and wants.

The article presents six steps of implementing an effective performance management strategy.

The article focuses on the issue of employing unemployed veterans in the U.S. U.S. President Barack Obama has called for two tax credits. One of the credit would provide an incentive for companies for employing veterans. The other credit would double an existing tax credit for hiring long-term unemployed veterans. Sodexo, a provider of food and facilities management recruits veterans.

The article announces that Amy Bisig, former corporate wellness director at ValuMarket in Kentucky, has won the Employee Benefit News' 2011 VSP "GetFit" Benny Award.

The article presents information on the business closure of Nationwide Better Health Inc. on September 1, 2011. It was announced by the firm on May 25, 2011, that its productivity services would be sold to Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc., while the disease management and wellness programs will be winded down. Terri Hill, president of the company, stated that economic downturn was the biggest external factor which affected their business.

The article focuses on the findings of Towers Watson & Co.'s survey, which indicates that pay raises are being planned by companies, that will average 2.8% in 2012, for nonexecutive employees.

The article announces that Amy Bisig, former corporate wellness director at the company ValuMarket in Louisville, Kentucky, was awarded the 2011 Benny Award for VSP GetFit by the periodical "Employee Benefit News."

The article offers information on a survey by Towers Watson & Co. on average pay increases given by employers in the U.S.

The article focuses on the business shut down of wellness subsidiary National Better Health by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company on September 1, 2011. It reports that Nationwide had announced the closure of its wellness business and sell-off of its productivity services to Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc. on May 25, 2011. According to Terri Hill, president at the subsidiary said that the economic downturn had hugely reduced its customers since 2008.

The article focuses on the increasing range of cost transparency tools designed to help employees in the U.S. to understand health care's real expenses and make better decisions.

The article focuses on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's (DTFA) annual rankings of employers with adoption-friendly benefits and polling and research firm Gallup's adoption benefits taken by employee Kelly Slater.

The article discusses the increase in the investment options for retirement savings in the U.S. It mentions that guaranteed-income products and funds have the potential to offer a five per cent annual return to insured people. According to the author, employers commonly invest in large-cap funds since these feature meager yields.