Voluntary Benefits

With looming changes from health care reform on the horizon and increased cost-shifting to employees, voluntary benefits emerge as a bigger player in the benefit programs of the future.

Mail is getting lighterand insurance companies have something to do with it.

Chartis is expanding its relationship with Reader's Digest to market and sell accident, health, property and casualty insurance worldwide, the company said Thursday.

As the new year begins, continuing economic pressures have enhanced the attractiveness of voluntary benefits for both employers and employees.

Rough economic times, rising medical costs and frightening unemployment numbers across the country havent discouraged employees from enrolling in vision insurance.

Canadian life insurance and retirement services provider Sun Life Financial Inc. plans to close its U.S. variable annuity and individual life products to new sales starting on Dec. 30.

Workers think more about insuring their homes or cars than they do about providing for their families after a death or disabling injury. The result is a workforce underinsured for both life and disability protection.

If Congress doesnt act before the end of the year, the current contribution level for mass transit will drop down to $125 per month, causing many who rely on this benefit to receive the equivalent of a tax hike on their commuting costs. Thats a bite of up to $42...