In our 'new normal,' what elements from the past year are brokers ready to toss, and what's going to stick around?

In last year's August cover story, "Long Hard Road," we spoke with various members of the industry about what they were seeing and their hopes and expectations for the future. We recently checked back in with Felipe Barganier and Desiree Coleman to get their perspectives on where things currently stand.

As employers and employees lean more on brokers and consultants to be their trusted advisors during a crisis, it is crucial to understand how data can be used to prepare for the next disaster.

Without question, the COVID-19 pandemic effected many facets of the voluntary business in 2020, and sales were no exception.

In policy reform, the central issue is price transparency remains a battleground where Suzanne is very active. She also comments on the recent uptick in direct contracting solutions and the incoming changes ushered by the pandemic.

Below is an overview of these changes to COBRA, dependent care assistance, and retirement plans that employee benefit advisors, plan advisors and plan sponsors need to know.

As American workers and businesses continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, recent executive and legislative action has increased the effectiveness of COBRA to help unemployed people maintain both physical and financial health throughout the emergency.

Some of the ladies who have inspired me during this year have been Deborah, Nancy and Lisa. They have each pivoted, as needed, and become and supported colleagues and clients, when called upon. Check out what they have been up to!