Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS, Author at Word on Benefits

Cyber Insurance: Do You Have It? Do You Need It?

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

23 Jul 202423 Jul 2024

The frequency and costs of data breaches continue to rise globally, with the average price tag of a data compromise reaching US$4.45 million in 2023, according to a recent report from IBM Security. Cyber insurance can help protect your organization from bad […]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dependent Care Employee Benefits Mental Health U.S. Wellness

What Health Plan Sponsors Should Know About the Emerging Mental Health Needs of Youth

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

24 Apr 202424 Apr 2024

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, dial or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support. Isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing academic and social pressures, and traumatic events are contributing to a growing […]

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Educating DC Plan Participants for the Long Hike to Retirement

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

16 Apr 202416 Apr 2024

Many years ago, I visited Grand Canyon National Park with my mom and aunt. It was unseasonably hot, but I wanted to walk down into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. My companions were not up for the hike, so I […]

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Benefits Health Care Human Resources (HR) Mental Health U.S. Wellness

How to Start a Recovery-Ready Workplace: Key Steps

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

05 Mar 202405 Mar 2024

What is a recovery-ready workplace, and why should employers consider establishing one? In an article in the January/February issue of Benefits Magazine, author Isabelle Wettergren explains that “a recovery-ready workplace is a compassionate and supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of employees. […]

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What’s Going On With Health Information and Cybersecurity

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

14 Feb 202421 Feb 2024

Health plan sponsors should take note: Regulators are increasing their focus on the privacy and security of health information. And failure to comply with the latest guidance on these areas could prove costly. In their article “Risks Abound: What’s Going on With […]

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Three Ways to Use AI in Employee Benefits

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

05 Dec 202325 Jan 2024

It’s open enrollment time, and your plan participants have questions about which health plan they should choose or whether a new voluntary benefit might be right for them. Your benefits staff is stretched thin trying to answer questions. What if you had […]

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Five Tips for a Successful Benefits Open Enrollment

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

07 Sep 202307 Sep 2023

The arrival of fall signals the start of benefits open enrollment season for many organizations. A 2020 International Foundation survey found that benefits open enrollment periods most often begin in October and November—which means open enrollment starts in just a few weeks […]

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Getting Paid During Parental Leave

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

11 Jul 202311 Jul 2023

Many U.S. workers do not have a guaranteed source of pay to cover leave following the birth of a child or to bond with a new addition to the family. Lack of access to paid parental leave can create a financial hardship […]

Communication Education Employee Benefits U.S.

Could ChatGPT Be Used in Employee Benefits?

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

15 Jun 202315 Jun 2023

Over the last several months, you may have felt a mixture of amazement and apprehension over the hype surrounding ChatGPT, the generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool, and its potential impact on everything from homework assignments to jobs. Experts in the employee benefits […]

Employee Benefits Mental Health U.S.

Can Your Plan Clear Mental Health Parity Compliance Hurdles?

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

01 Jun 202301 Jun 2023

Many health plan sponsors continue to struggle to comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). It’s a continuing concern because the Department of Labor (DOL) has placed an emphasis on auditing plans for compliance. Health plans looking for […]