Justin Held, CEBS, Author at Word on Benefits

Changes in Health Care Claims Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Justin Held, CEBS

10 Jun 202109 Jun 2021

Over the past year, the International Foundation has surveyed U.S. organizations on three separate occasions to examine the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the most recent edition, respondents were asked about changes in the number of health care claims over this […]

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18 Prescription Drug Cost-Containment Strategies For Your Plan

Justin Held, CEBS

08 Jun 202107 Jun 2021

Benefits practitioners have grown accustomed to headlines addressing the escalating costs of prescription drug spending. Despite concerted efforts, the cost of commonly prescribed brand-name drugs continues to grow at alarming rates. A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh stated that over […]

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New Apprenticeship Bills 2021 Roundup from the U.S. Legislative Tracker

Justin Held, CEBS

03 Jun 202102 Jun 2021

The 117th session of Congress began on January 3, 2021, and was marked with a flurry of newly introduced legislation. The past five months have seen the introduction of several bills in the areas of apprenticeship and workforce development. Below is a […]

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Health Care Benefits: 20 Benchmarking Considerations for Your Plan

Justin Held, CEBS

31 Mar 202130 Mar 2021

Health care benefits remain a critical part of the relationship between employers and workers, especially during these times of rapid change and uncertainty. In addition to serving as an important financial safety net, these benefits act as a recruitment and retention tool. […]

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The State of Defined Contribution Retirement Plans in 2021

Justin Held, CEBS

24 Feb 202124 Feb 2021

The number of organizations offering defined contribution (DC) retirement plans has increased over the past two years, making them the primary retirement vehicle for an increasing share of the U.S. workforce. The International Foundation’s 2020 Employee Benefits Survey showed that 87% of […]

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Innovative Benefit Offerings on the Rise—Employee Benefits Survey Results

Justin Held, CEBS

09 Feb 202109 Feb 2021

Beyond traditional benefits such as health and retirement, many organizations use innovative benefits to meet the varied needs of their employees. Benefits like identify theft insurance and student loan repayment are gaining popularity as employers add new and innovative perks to reflect […]

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21 Ways Employers Are Combating Escalating Health Care Costs in 2021

Justin Held, CEBS

27 Jan 202126 Jan 2021

Over the next ten years, health care spending in the United States is projected to increase at an annual rate of 5.4%. In response to the cost escalation, plan sponsors in corporate, multiemployer and public employer environments are looking for ways to […]

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The State of Multiemployer Health Plans: 10 Takeaways

Justin Held, CEBS

12 Jan 202113 Jan 2021

The median cost of benefits for multiemployer health plans increased 47% over the ten-year period from 2008 to 2017, reaching $11,201 per participant per year (PPPY), according to a new International Foundation report. The consistent increases in costs over the ten-year period […]

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Apprenticeship Programs Employee Benefits Multiemployer U.S.

“What Is an Apprenticeship Agreement?” and Other Questions for Your Plan

Justin Held, CEBS

06 Jan 202106 Jan 2021

Apprenticeship and training funds have a long history of providing skilled workers for a number of industries. These funds are classified as employee welfare benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and are typically exempt from federal […]

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SRI Investments in 401(k) Plans—Myths and Challenges for Plan Sponsors

Justin Held, CEBS

03 Dec 202002 Dec 2020

Despite growing demand for sustainable, responsible and impact (SRI) investments from participants, a small percentage of 401(k) plans provide such options in their investment menus. In a Benefits Magazine article from earlier this year, Gregory D. Wait, CEBS, reviews the challenges that […]