Topics
Benefit Communication
Editor's Note: Effective benefit communications can help employees make better benefit choices.
Overview: Educating employees about employee benefit programs and providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions is not an easy task. Employers that do this successfully are committed to providing ongoing, comprehensive communications that educate employees on their benefit choices.
Benefits are complex, and making benefit elections can be difficult. In addition, employees are being asked to play a more active role and take greater responsibility for their health and well-being. Unfortunately, all too often, they are ill-equipped to take on that responsibility with any degree of success.
Educating employees about their benefits is a process, and for employees to buy into that process, they need to be engaged. Employers that do not effectively communicate benefits run the risk of having employees become indifferent and frustrated. Having an effective benefit communication plan in place can help to ensure that employers and employees get the most from the substantial investment an employer makes in benefits.
Trends: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires additional benefit communication and disclosure requirements. The summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) describes the benefits and coverage under an employer's plan so that participants can compare the information to other plans for which they may be eligible.
Tracy Morley, SPHR, Legal Editor
Latest items in Benefit Communication
-
Feds Release Additional Guidance on Affordable Care Act's Summary of Benefits and Coverage Requirements
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Treasury released a set of frequently asked questions on Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
-
New Quick Reference Chart on State Health Insurance Exchange Decisions Added
The Affordable Care Act requires every state and the District of Columbia to establish a health insurance exchange. XpertHR has added a quick reference chart that identifies state decisions for creating health care exchanges.
-
State Health Insurance Exchange Decisions - Chart
The Affordable Care Act requires every state and the District of Columbia to establish a health insurance exchange, or to default to a federally facilitated exchange operated by the US Department of Health and Human Services. This quick reference chart identifies state decisions for creating health care exchanges.
-
When does an employer have to provide notice to employees of the health care exchanges?
-
Fall Marks the Beginning of HR's Busy Season
Open enrollment and benefit planning, design and communications are all hallmarks of fall, which marks the beginning of one of HR's busiest times.
-
When does an employer have to provide the Summary of Benefits and Coverage to employees?
-
What information is required to be included in the exchange notice?
-
Employee Communications: Illinois
In-depth review of the spectrum of Illinois employment law requirements HR must follow with respect to employee communications.
-
Employee Communications: Minnesota
In-depth review of the spectrum of Minnesota employment law requirements HR must follow with respect to employee communications
-
Does our transportation fringe benefit plan need to be in writing?
About this topic
HR guidance on the value of having an effective benefit communication strategy.