Archived HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletters
San Jose, California Archived HBS Newsletters
The following Benefit Plan Development newsletters are published monthly. If you would like to be added to our monthly newsletter email distribution list, please sign up here and we will add you to our distribution list.
Benefit Plan Watch -- September 2009
- Survey: High-Performing Companies Gain Health Dividend
- Consumer Driven Health Plans Surpass HMO's in Popularity with Employees
- Annual Report Highlights Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion
Request a copy of the September-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- August 2009
- Employers Express Doubts About Employer Mandate and Government-Sponsored Public Plan
- Employers Prefer Incremental Approach to Health Care Reform
Request a copy of the August-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- July 2009
- Second Annual Corporate Health Care Policy Forecast Survey
- Health Reform "Exchange" Plan Would Have Big Implications for Employment-Based Benefits
Request a copy of the July-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- June 2009
- New Mental Health Parity Law To Take Effect Soon
- Study: Obesity Key Driver of Rising Health Care Costs
Request a copy of the June-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- May 2009
- Six-Year Study of Consumer-Directed Health Plans Gauges Savings
- Workplace Wellness Programs Fare Well During Economic Downturn
- Generic Drugs Can Be Good For Your Health And Your Wallet
Request a copy of the May-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- April 2009
- DOL, IRS Provide Guidance for COBRA Premium Reduction Under ARRA
- Ninth Circuit Ruling on San Francisco Health Ordinance Threatens Employer-Based Health System
Request a copy of the April-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- March 2009
- Economic stimulus includes premium subsidy for COBRA
- Employers take a look at who is covered under their health plan
- Employee weight loss programs offered by half of employers who provide wellness programs
Request a copy of the March-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- February 2009
- Study Examines Issues in Capping Tax Exclusion of Health Coverage
- Public Sector Employers Turn to Wellness and Disease Management Programs to Control Costs and Improve Quality
- Using Health Information Technology in Hospitals Linked to Fewer Deaths, Lower Costs
Request a copy of the February-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- January 2009
- Rand Study Indicates Lower Drug Copays Better Than Cost Regulations
- Multiple Generations Look to Employers for Benefits Education
- U.S. Workers Taking Steps To Lower Medical Costs
Request a copy of the January-2009 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- December 2008
- Final Rules on Family and Medical Leave Published
- Employers Want National Approach to Health Care - Still Believe Employer-Based System Works Best
Request a copy of the December-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- November 2008
- Employees want to improve their health and want employer help.
- Survey finds CDHP consumers are more health and cost concious.
- Mental health parity measure tacked onto Wall Street Aid Bill.
Request a copy of the November-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- October 2008
- Hard Times Drive Employers to Increase Benefit Education Efforts
- Survey Reveals Which Health Programs Most Utilized by Employees, Most Valued by Employers
Request a copy of the October-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- August 2008
- Survey: How Much Employers Spend on Incentives for Health Management Programs
- Report on Non-Qualified Benefits and Perquisite Practices
- DOL Issues Guidance on Schedule C Reporting for 2009 Form 5500
Request a copy of the August-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- June 2008
- Treasury, IRS Issue 2009 Indexed Amounts for Health Savings Accounts
- Study Shows Significant Changes for US Workers Since 1998
- Employers Using Benefits to Help Employees Fill the Tank
Request a copy of the June-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- May 2008
- Companies to Get More Involved in the Health of Their Workforce, Employees Cautious of New Role
- Americans Rank Health Care Near the Top of Their Economic Woes
Request a copy of the May-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- April 2008
- More Companies, Workers Adopt Consumer-Directed Health Plans
- Survey Finds that Most Baby Boomers Underestimate Disability Risk
Request a copy of the April-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- March 2008
- Employers refocus strategies to promote a "Culture of Health and Financial Security," says study.
- Study finds employers saying more about benefits.
- Survey finds salary is top draw for job candidates but benefits nearly as popular.
- Large employers continuing to offer health benefits.
Request a copy of the March-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- February 2008
- Most Americans Want Employers to Pay Health Insurance Costs for Workers
- Wellness Works, When It's Available
Request a copy of the February-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- January 2008
- Big Employers Still Committed to Health Benefits, but Employer Groups Pushing for Fundamental Changes
- Employee Benefits Security Administration Provides Guidance on HIPAA Portability Rules Relating to Supplemental Coverage
Request a copy of the January-2008 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- December 2007
- Don't Ignore Annual Enrollment Process - Help Employees Prepare
- Employer Support for Long Term Care Insurance Grows
- More Employers to Offer Workers Financial Incentives for Healthy Behavior
Request a copy of the December-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- November 2007
- Major Benefit Trends Identified
- Child Care Assistance Ranks as Most Prevalent Non-traditional Benefit
Request a copy of the November-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- October 2007
- Data Reveals Rate of Increases for U.S. Health Care Costs Declines for Fifth Consecutive Year
- Ten Year Look at Unintended Consequences of State Efforts to Change the Insurance Market
Request a copy of the October-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- September 2007
- NBCH Releases eValue8 Report on Health Plans' Performance
- Survey: Most Small Business Owners Say Healthcare will Influence Vote in 2008 Elections
Request a copy of the September-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- August 2007
- AARP Study: Auto 401(k)s Generate Positive Returns For Employers, Employees
- Employers Continuing to Cut "Traditional" Pension Plans, But Often Add to 401(k) Benefits As Well: Survey
- Workers Struggle With Basic Health Benefit Terms: Survey
Request a copy of the August-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- July 2007
- Employer Costs for Employee Compensation - March 2007
- Companies to Transform HR Delivery Strategy to Meet New Employee Needs: Survey
- SHRM: Top 5 "Very Important" Aspects of Job Satisfaction
Request a copy of the July-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- June 2007
- Are Account-based Health Plan Supporters Premature in Declaring Success?
- Consumers Are Taking More Responsibility for Health Care Decisions, Physicians Face Increasing Competition
Request a copy of the June-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- May 2007
- Employers to Move Beyond Cost Shifting, Focus on Improving Employee Health
- Confusing Technology Hampering Efforts to Change Employee Behavior, Watson Wyatt Says Employers to Move Beyond Cost Shifting, Focus on Improving Employee Health
- Confusing Technology Hampering Efforts to Change Employee Behavior, Watson Wyatt Says
Request a copy of the May-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- April 2007
- Survey: Best Health Cost Cutters Offer a CDHP and Other Programs
- Use of Consumer-Driven Healthcare Plans is Growing, But Confusion Causes Some Employee Avoidance
- Workers Spend an Average of 1.4 Hours Annually Reviewing Benefits
Request a copy of the April-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- March 2007
- Employee Benefit Trends for 2007 and Beyond
- Treasury, IRS Issue Guidance Helping Employees Transition to HSAs
- Health Care Cost-Containment Strategies Working
Request a copy of the March-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- February 2007
- New Law on HSAs to Make Health Care More Affordable, Accessible
- Benefits Changes to Continue in 2007
Request a copy of the February-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- January 2007
- After Iraq, Health Care Top Priority of Voters for New Congress
- President Bush Signs Bill to Make Health Care More Affordable, Accessible
Request a copy of the January-2007 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- December 2006
- Americans Urge New Congress to Focus on Health Care
- Disconnect Between Employers, Employees Threatens Loss of Key Workers
- As Benefit Costs Rise, Employee Retirement Savings Decline
Request a copy of the December-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- November 2006
- 7.7% Health Care Cost Increase In 2007 -- Lowest Increase in 8 Years
- Most Workers Fear Higher Costs, Reductions in Health Benefits
- Participants Have Difficulty with Summary Health Plan Documents
Request a copy of the November-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- October 2006
- As Health Care Becomes More Complex, Employees Look to Companies for Guidance
- Workers III - Prepared to Manage Disruption in Income
Request a copy of the October-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- September 2006
- Analysis of Pension Protection Act of 2006
- Employees Seek Access to Financial Professionals Via Employers -- May Be Good Recruiting Tool
- Three-Quarters of Adults Adovate Fundamental Changes in Health Care System
Request a copy of the September-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- August 2006
- Employers Beleive Older Workers More Expensive, More Productive
- CDHPs Continue to Stimulate Positive Changes in Consumer Health Behavior: Three-Year Study
Request a copy of the August-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- July 2006
- Employees Embrace New Automated, "Do-It-For-Me" Retirement Services
- Millions With Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Getting Better Drug Coverage
Request a copy of the July-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- June 2006
- Decline in Employees Accepting Health Insurance, Raising Insurance Premiums Across Nation
- Workers Try to Find the Balance Between Cash and Benefits
- Court Rules Benefits Plan Can Recover Overpayments
Request a copy of the June-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- May 2006
- Employees Can Be Savvy Health Care Consumers
- Employers Offering More Benefits in Tandem
- Disability Insurance: Do Employees Understand It?
Request a copy of the May-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- April 2006
- Flex Credits For Group Health Plans Must Continue During FMLA Leave: DOL
- Cancer Is Number One Reason For Long-Term Absence in 2005
- BLS Data Shows Changing Landscape in Retirement Plan Coverage
Request a copy of the April-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- March 2006
- Report Identifies the Underlying Drivers of Rising Healthcare Costs
- Employer Spending on Benefits Has Grown Faster Than Wages: GAO
- Participation in 401(k) Plans Continues to Decline in 2005
Request a copy of the March-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- February 2006
- Recent Generic Blockbusters Mean Huge Savings Gains
- New Survey Finds 62% of Employers Offer Wellness Initiatives
- Boomers Turning 60 This Year Surpassed $100,000 Mark In Average 401(k) Account Balance
Request a copy of the February-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- January 2006
- Critical Illness May Cause Financial Hardships for Many Americans, Says National Survey
- Enrolled Seniors Surveyed Saving Money, Getting Needed Drug Coverage
- Finances of Employee Benefits: Health Costs Drive Changing Trends
Request a copy of the January-2006 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- December 2005
- Holiday Bonuses Becoming a Tradition of the Past
- 2006 Indexed Amounts for Health Savings Accounts
- Health Insurance Enrollment: Subtle Movement Over 10-Year Period
Request a copy of the December-2005 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- September 2005
- Majority Would Forego Pay Increase to Maintain Health Insurance Benefits
- Consumers Willing to Help Control Health Care Costs, Need Education
- Survey Foresees Lowest Health Insurance Rate Increase in 6 Years
Request a copy of the September-2005 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- July 2005
- URAC Launches CDH Consumer Education And Support Standards
- American Benefits Council Critiques Plan To Rescue Defined Benefit System
- Benefits Remain Steady From 2004
Request a copy of the July-2005 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- June 2005
- HSA's More Than Double In Six Months, New AHIP Study Shows
- New Survey Finds Shifting Employee Mindset To Manage Spiraling Health Care Costs
- Employers Seeking Better E-Based Tools To Educate Employees On Health Care Plans
Request a copy of the June-2005 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- May 2005
- Best Way To Communicate Employee Health Plans Is With Personalized Benefits Statements
- HHS Proposes Civil Penalties For HIPAA Violations
- Treasury And IRS Provide Guidance On Pension Plan Amendments
Request a copy of the May-2005 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- April 2005
- Most US Workers Clueless To Healthcare Costs Paid By Their Employers
- Current Workers Can Not Count On Retiree Health Benefits
- HIPAA Security Standards Deadline Benefits
Request a copy of the April-2005 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- February 2005
- IRS Issues Final 401(k) Plan Regulations
- Former Employee Lacks ERISA Standing To Bring Fiduciary Breach Suit, Court Rules
Request a copy of the February-2005 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- January 2005
- Contribution Limits Increased For Health-Savings Accounts
- Pension Plan Limitations For 2005
- 401(k) Participants Maintain Healthy Account Balances, But Need Asset Allocation Help: Fidelity Study
Request a copy of the January-2005 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- October 2004
- Private Health Insurance Premiums Rose 11.2% In 2004
- American Workers Are Taking More Responsibility To Manage Health Care Costs
Request a copy of the October-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- September 2004
- Small Firms Flexible In Granting Family, Medical Leave, But Confusion Remains About Compliance Requirements
- Supreme Court Rules That ERISA Preempts State Patients' Rights Laws
- Number Of Americans Saving For Retirement Remains Same As In 2001
Request a copy of the September-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- August 2004
- Given Employer Diversity, No single Solution To Rising Health Costs Likely
- Department of Labor Issues Final COBRA Notice Rules
Request a copy of the August-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- July 2004
- Aetna Survey Finds Positive Impact Of Health Care Consumerism
- Failure To Deliver SPD Is Not Breach Of Fiduciary Duty: Court
- Communication Gap Jeopardizes Consumer-Driven Health Care Strategies
Request a copy of the July-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- June 2004
- Retirement Plans Help Attract And Retain Employees: Fidelity Study
- Despite Release, Former Employee May Pursue Claim For Failure To Provide COBRA Election Notice
- In Spite Of Improved Economy U.S. Employees' 401(k) Saving And Investing Habits Remain Poor, Hewitt Study
Request a copy of the June-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- May 2004
- EBSA Issues Field Assistance Bulletin On Health Savings Account
- Appeals Court Upholds Ten-Year Statute Of Limitations To Lawsuit For Benefits Under ERISA
- Most Employers Taking A Wait-And-See Attitude Before Making Changes To Retirement Benefits: Hewitt
Request a copy of the May-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- April 2004
- Encouraging Employees Self-Responsibility In Health Benefit Decisions Yields Cost Savings: Survey
- Oxford Makes Employee Communications Easier
- Increase In Employee Consumerism Helped Mitigate 2004 Health Plan Cost Increases
Request a copy of the April-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- March 2004
- Encouraging Employees Self-Responsibility In Health Benefit Decisions Yields Cost Savings: Survey
- Oxford Makes Employee Communications Easier
- Increase In Employee Consumerism Helped Mitigate 2004 Health Plan Cost Increases
Request a copy of the March-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- February 2004
- Health Spending Growth Projected to Slow After Six Consecutive Years of Acceleration: CMS
- Penalties Imposed for Multiemployer Plan's Delay in Providing COBRA Election Notice
- Court Rules Work Absence to Accompany Relative to Hospital Not Covered by FMLA
Request a copy of the February-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- January 2004
- Survey Finds Few Companies Plan Worker Cost Cutting Measures For Next Year And Instead Revamp Annual And Long-Term Incentive Programs
- Generation X On Par With Baby Boomers In Planning For Future: Survey
- Costs For Employee Compensation
Request a copy of the January-2004 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- December 2003
- Disease Management Programs Contribute To Reductions In Health Care Costs
- Reducing Employer Provided Retiree Medical Coverage Based On Medicare Eligibility May Violate the ADEA
- Union Fund Had No COBRA Duty When Employer Funding Ended
Request a copy of the December-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- November 2003
- Choosing a Benefit Plan Fit Helps Consumers Save on Health Care Costs: Survey
- Getting the Most Out of Annual Benefits Enrollment
- Draft Accounting Standards Call for New Disclosures
Request a copy of the November-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- October 2003
- Flexible Spending Accounts May Reimburse For Over The Counter Drugs: IRS
- Survey Reveals Employer Response To Double-Digit Health Insurance Premium Increases
- HIPAA Electronic Data Interchange Compliance Deadline Extension Ends
Request a copy of the October-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- September 2003
- DB Plan Doesn't Owe Interest To Participant When Payments Voluntarily Delayed
- HIPAA Rules Apply To FSAs: HHS
- ERISA Nullifies A Break-In-Service Provision For Accrual Purposes
Request a copy of the September-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- August 2003
- Businesses Shift Costs To Employees As Group Medical Rates Continue To Increase: Survey
- Rising Health Care Costs Not Our Problem To Fix: Employees
Request a copy of the August-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- July 2003
- Pace of Health Care Spending Growth Threatens Affordability
- Department of Labor Proposes Changes To COBRA's Notice Requirements
Request a copy of the July-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- June 2003
- DOL Issues Final Reporting Rules For MEWAs
- IRS Addresses Use Of Credit Cards For FSA And HRA Expenses
- ERISA Nullifies A Break-In-Service Provision For Accrual Purposes
Request a copy of the June-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- March 2003
- Health Spending To Reach $3.1 Trillion By 2012
- Employer Obligations To Military Service Personnel
- Patients Can Sue Health Plans For Medical Malpractice
Request a copy of the March-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- February 2003
- Advance Medical Reimbursements and Loans Are Taxable Income: IRS
- Growing Risk To Pension Funds
- IRS Issues COBRA Guidance On Divorce and Separation Issues
Request a copy of the February-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.
Benefit Plan Watch -- January 2003
- An Overview Of Sec. 125 Plans
- Benefits Costs Rose To Nearly $1 Trillion in 2001: EBRI
- Insurer Abused Its Discretion When Terminating LTD Benefits: Eighth Circuit
Request a copy of the January-2003 issue of the HBS Benefit Plan Watch Newsletter.