U.S. employers used more technology-based communication with employees during the last open enrollment and increased their face-to-face communication with employees as well, according to a new Towers Watson survey.

Senate Republicans tried to repeal the recent health care reform legislation but were defeated in a 47-51 vote on Wednesday, though they anticipated the move to fail.

The Virginia House of Delegates voted, 74-24, to require insurers to provide autism coverage for children ages 2-6, signaling what could be the end of a long fight for autism coverage in the state.

Fifty-three percent of small-business decision makers say having business insurance policies with an insurance carrier they consider tech-savvy is important, according to the Small Business Opinion Poll commissioned by EMPLOYERS.

Digital Insurance Inc., an employee benefits agency in Atlanta, finished 2010 with a recording-breaking $17 million in acquisitions.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is initiating the Two for Tomorrow marketing campaign, which recommends Americans redirect the newly implemented reduction in Social Security payroll taxes to their employer's 401(k).

Combined Insurance Worksite Solutions and Employee Benefits Corporation of America are partnering to offer independent brokers and representatives multiple supplemental insurance products and administrative services for employers.

Trends that will shape insurance in 2011 include guarantees, hybrid/combination long-term care products, voluntary coverage, product riders and flexible income options, predicts Mark Konen, president of Lincoln Insurance and Retirement Solutions.