Pension Act Regulations Could Mean Significant Changes for 401(k) Sponsors, Watson Wyatt Says
January 29, 2007 - Wyatt Worldwide
Employers that automatically choose 401(k) investments for employees could face significant changes to those programs in the future, according to experts at Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting firm. New regulations the U.S. Department of Labor is required to issue could lead many employers to move to equity-based funds when acting on behalf of employees who do not make investment selections, a considerable alteration for many 401(k) plans.
Communication Challenges Loom Large in Benefit Enrollment Process, Watson Wyatt Survey Finds
January 30, 2007 - Wyatt Worldwide
Communication challenges topped the list of employer concerns during the most recent annual benefit enrollment process, according to a recent poll by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting firm. This came as employers used the enrollment process to more fully engage employees in their health care buying decisions. While employers were highly satisfied with the more transactional aspects of enrollment, they felt that improvements could be made in the areas of employee communication, health information and decision support. As for employees, they were most concerned with the growing complexity of the enrollment process and the level of plan changes, according to the companies surveyed.
Coverage & Access | Educational Campaign Encourages Baby Boomers To Invest in Long-Term Care
January 17, 2007 - The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
State and federal officials have begun an educational campaign called "Own Your Future," which seeks to encourage baby boomers to invest in their long-term care costs, "especially when many are convinced that government-subsidized programs will take care of their needs," the Houston Chronicle reports.
Steve Case's Revolution Health Launches First Two New Products: Free Online Service; Personal Membership
January 22, 2007 - Revolution Health
Steve Case's Revolution Health Group today unveiled "preview" editions of its first two new products: RevolutionHealth.comTM, a free online service which will help families take action to manage their health care and achieve their healthy living goals; and Revolution HealthTM membership, which gives members access to premium health services now only enjoyed by a few.
