Employee-Paid

The hot anti-inflammatory drug has been costing employer plans about $78,000 per 1,000 covered lives.

But retention kept HealthEquity's HSA count growing, and the CEO sees cost-cutting pressure increasing employers' interest in new ideas.

"Employers and administrators should review plan documents to ensure death-related claims and forfeiture provisions are clearly defined and effectively communicated to the surviving beneficiaries," said Maynard Nexen.

The Employee Benefits Security Administration is rebooting its advice program, as a professional advisor prepares to take over as its chief.

Health care costs are rapidly rising for all Americans, with average annual out-of-pocket costs increasing from $763 to $1,425 over the past two decades.

For employers, uncertainty about Affordable Care Act public exchange subsidies and rules means uncertainty about cash-for-coverage plans.