Cost-Containment

The nation's largest companies expect the cost of their health care benefits to rise an average 7 percent in 2013, according to findings released Monday by the National Business Group on Health. Although the rate is a slight dip from earlier years, employers are eyeing a variety of cost-control measures.

Health savings accounts have grown to more than $14.1 billion in assets, representing 7.1 million accounts through June 30, according to research from broker/dealer Devenir.

Theres a chance the FSA use it or lose it rule could be a thing of the past.

Though most employees have seen their premiums and out-of-pocket costs go up, one-third are more satisfied with their coverage than three years ago.

Workers in low-wage jobs joined with faith leaders, unions and politicians in New York City to demand better pay, benefits and working conditions.

Many companies are now gearing up for open enrollment, and this is a good time to highlight their benefits offerings. Here are five short items that plan sponsors should have on their open enrollment checklist.

The Walgreen pharmacy chain will begin filling prescriptions from customers in the Express Scripts network again starting in September under a new multiyear contract that ends a costly impasse between the companies.

An independent fact finder has recommended that Chicago teachers receive a 14.85 percent raise to "compensate teachers for working a longer school day and year," a union official union said Monday.