Benefits Manager

Single parents across all income levels with children living at home are the most likely to have the least amount of life insurance.

Six out of 10 employers hope Congress will repeal health care reform while seven in 10 employers do not believe the legislation will alleviate health care costs, according to Health Care Reform 360, a national study by Market Strategies International.

More than 40 percent of employers say they are likely to pass along cost increases to workers, and about half of workers expect their health benefit costs to go up whether directly or indirectly related to the PPACA.

Nonprofit National Business Coalition on health has launched a value-based purchasing guide website to support employers, purchaser-led coalitions, health plans and other health care entities.

"After spending a significant amount of time reacting to market conditions, the faltering economy, and grappling with new legislation and regulations, plan sponsors are returning their focus to improving their DC plans."

Long-term caring impacts workers

of the 14.8 percent of companies that suspended matching contributions in the last three years in the last three years, 39.3 percent have restored them and 37.8 percent are planning to restore them within the next six months.

The IRS recently released final guidance for small employers eligible to claim the new small business health care tax credit for the 2010 tax year.