GLP-1: To Cover, or Not to Cover? 

The emergence of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, has greatly improved weight management by providing significant help with weight loss. However, their high costs and growing demand have led to a complex debate among employers about whether to cover them under group health plans. Efficacy and Rising Demand GLP-1 drugs are very effective for weight loss. Semaglutide, for example, can help people lose 15% to 20% of their body weight, making it a strong choice for treating obesity, and demand has surged. An estimated

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Going Beyond the Basics: Building an Effective Well-being Package

The employment landscape has undergone some drastic changes in the past five years. For many companies, remote or hybrid work arrangements have become permanent; Gen Z is bringing new energy and new ideas; and people are reprioritizing their personal needs, seeking non-traditional ways to improve their professional and personal lives. The changing norms and expectations have forced many employers to rethink employee benefits and well-being. With workers in diverse locations and spanning multiple generations, companies

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The Power of HSAs in Bank Financial Wellness Programs

Financial wellness has become a major focus in employee benefits. Financial stresses can dramatically impact mental health, seeping into an employee’s professional life and leading to disengagement, higher absenteeism, and increased turnover. The problem has gotten so pervasive that in Bank of America’s 12th Annual Workplace Benefits Report, 97% of surveyed employers said they felt responsible for employee financial wellness. Yet despite that, only 28% of employers offer financial wellness programs, according to the Harvard

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Understanding Eating Disorder Therapies and How Benefit Accounts Can Help

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, observed from February 17-21, is a critical time to raise awareness about eating disorders, their treatment options, and the financial resources available to support recovery.  With millions of individuals affected by conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, it is essential to understand the various therapies that can aid recovery. Additionally, many individuals may not realize that benefit accounts, such as FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs, can help offset

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HSA vs 401k – Which Account to Fund First?

Do you have both a Health Savings Account (HSA) and a 401(k) through your employer? HSAs are generally thought of as a vehicle for healthcare savings – after all, that’s right in the name! – and most people understand that a 401k is used for retirement. Many wonder, though, which account they should fund first, the HSA or 401k. Let’s compare the two. HSA vs 401k – What is the difference? What is an HSA?

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COBRA Benefits: Layoff vs. Furlough

Nearly half (45%) of companies anticipate layoffs in 2025, while some economic analysts also predict an increase in furloughs. Many people do not understand the key differences between layoffs and furloughs. There is also a significant difference between the two regarding eligibility for COBRA continuation coverage. Furlough vs. Layoff: What’s the Difference? Both furloughs and layoffs involve a reduction in work, but they differ significantly regarding employment status and benefits eligibility. If unsure whether your

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Family-Friendly Benefits and Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture

Family-friendly benefits have become essential to attracting and retaining top talent. Companies that provide robust support for working parents can enhance employee work-life balance, productivity, and job satisfaction. Family-friendly workplaces have higher retention rates and a better reputation overall among current and prospective employees.  Here are some of the most popular family-friendly benefits, including childcare assistance and parental leave, along with actionable strategies to cultivate a supportive work environment. The Importance of Childcare Assistance One

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Leveraging Tax-Advantaged Benefit Accounts in Recruitment

While competitive salaries and flexible work arrangements often grab headlines, tax-advantaged benefit accounts like health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) are powerful tools for recruiting and retaining top talent that are often overlooked. These accounts support employees’ financial wellness and help employers manage benefit costs effectively, creating a win-win scenario for both parties. Financial Wellness Benefits Grow in Importance Financial stress remains a significant burden for many employees.

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HSAs as a Retirement Tool

When you think of finances and retirement, what immediately comes to mind? Popular retirement vehicles typically include Social Security benefits, a 401(k), an IRA, and investments like mutual funds or stock options. There is another retirement tool that many people overlook – the Health Savings Account or HSA. At first glance, this may seem confusing. What does an account used for healthcare needs have to do with retirement? While HSAs are primarily used for qualified

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Balancing Flexibility and Return-to-Office Policies

The COVID pandemic’s seismic shift toward remote work has had a lasting impact on employee expectations and organizational dynamics. As more employers implement return-to-office (RTO) policies, many are facing a tug-of-war between these mandates and employee desire for continued flexibility. Return-to-Office Policies and Employee Resistance A PwC survey in 2023 revealed that 90% of executives expected employees to return to the office at least three days a week, yet only 20% of workers favored this

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