by admin | Oct 30, 2025 | Custom Content, Employee Benefits, Health Care Costs
No doubt about it, prescriptions are expensive. While this may not be a big worry when you’re young and healthy, the costs can add up quickly if you’re diagnosed with a chronic condition or need an expensive drug. Whether you take medications regularly or for an occasional illness, it pays to know how to save money on prescriptions.
Did You Know?
Drug costs are a primary driver of rising healthcare expenses for both employers and employees. Prescription drug spending is consistently growing at a faster rate than overall healthcare costs, with a steady increase of 6.8%. As the fastest-growing part of benefits plans, these costs will continue to climb with new pharmaceutical innovations.
For years in the U.S., cost has been a significant obstacle to sticking with medications with up to 3 in 10 people reporting that they do not take their medications as prescribed.
The Rising Cost of Prescriptions
Historically, prescription drug costs have outpaced total healthcare costs. The following chart highlights this trend from 2019 to 2024. 
Prescription drug costs can put a strain on your budget, but with a little research and the right questions, you can reduce expenses without sacrificing your health.
Here are expert-backed strategies to help you save on your medications:
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- Ask About a Generic Drug – Get the same quality and active ingredient as you’d find in a brand name, for less money.
- Save Money with a Pill Splitter – If your prescription comes in a higher dose that can be safely split, you get 2 doses for the price of 1.
- Consider a Combo Pill – Combining two drugs into one pill can help you avoid paying separate copays or coinsurance. Ask if a combo pill is an option for you.
- Buy in Bulk – Opt for a mail-order pharmacy to get a 90-day supply of your meds instead or a 30-day supply. This can often reduce your copay and overall cost.
- Make a List and Check it Twice – Check the list of preferred medications (a.k.a. “the formulary”), which tend to cost less.
- Find Out if You Still Need That Medication – If you’ve been taking the same medication for years, it’s worth checking in with your doctor to see if you still need it. Or if you’ve made a lifestyle change, it may reduce your need for certain medications. It never hurts to ask your doctor.
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The medicines prescribed by your doctor are essential to your good health. With some savvy shopping, you can use the money you save on the things you enjoy!
by admin | Oct 21, 2025 | Employee Benefits, Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is a hectic and critical period for employers that often brings a risk of compliance errors. These mistakes can confuse employees and cause missed benefits, while also exposing employers to legal risks.
This article highlights five common compliance pitfalls to avoid during open enrollment:
- Ineffective Communication of Benefit Changes – Benefit offerings often change annually due to plan design updates or regulatory mandates. Employers must clearly notify employees of any changes, including cost-sharing adjustments and new benefits, well before open enrollment. Using multiple communication channels and simple explanations helps employees make informed choices. Updates should also be reflected in required plan documents like the Summary Plan Description (SPD) or Summary of Material Modifications (SMM).
- Overlooking Election Deadlines
– Open enrollment periods should end well before the new plan year to allow orderly processing and compliance with tax laws. Employees’ benefit elections under Section 125 cafeteria plans are typically irrevocable for the plan year unless a qualifying life event occurs. Clear communication and encouraging early enrollment help prevent late or mistaken elections, which are difficult to correct.
- Failing to Distribute Required Health Plan Notices
– Employers must provide various health plan notices during open enrollment, such as the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), COBRA notices, CHIP notices, WHCRA notices, Medicare Part D disclosures, and HIPAA privacy notices. These notices ensure employees are informed of their rights and plan details and must be delivered in timely fashion. Electronic delivery is often permitted with proper safeguards.
- Not Providing Materials to All Eligible Individuals – It’s crucial to distribute open enrollment information not only to active employees but also to eligible individuals on leave, furlough, or COBRA continuation. A multi-channel approach with diligent tracking of distribution reduces the risk of missed communications and potential disputes.
- Neglecting Disclosure of Reasonable Alternatives in Wellness Programs – Wellness programs that impose surcharges or provide rewards based on health standards must offer reasonable alternative ways to meet requirements, per HIPAA rules. Employers need to disclose these alternative standards and provide contact information and assurance that personal physician recommendations will be accommodated. Compliance reduces legal risks related to premium surcharges and discrimination claims.
By proactively addressing these areas, employers can help employees confidently choose benefits while reducing compliance risks and administrative challenges.
by admin | Oct 14, 2025 | Health & Wellness
Over the past several years, mental health in the United States has steadily declined. Growing concerns about this issue have increased the pressure on employers to provide stronger mental health benefits. Although many organizations have expanded their mental health offerings, utilization among employees remains low. When these resources go unused, employees who could benefit miss out on vital support, and employers face potential downsides such as reduced well-being, lower morale, declining productivity, more frequent absences, and higher turnover.
To improve utilization, employers must first understand the barriers preventing employees from accessing mental health benefits. Common challenges include:
- Lack of communication – Many employees are simply unaware of the resources their workplace provides.
- Limited education – Workers may not have adequate information about how to access available benefits.
- Time constraints – Some employees don’t set aside time to learn about their options.
- Mental health stigma – Ongoing stigma may discourage individuals from seeking help.
- Cost concerns – Employees may be uncertain about expenses, unaware of discounted or free resources, or discouraged by deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Some also lack clarity on what their plans cover.
Simply offering benefits is not enough to address these barriers. Employers can encourage greater use of mental health resources through strategies such as:
- Training managers – Managers often serve as the first point of contact for employees. By equipping them with knowledge of available benefits, they can promote resources, answer questions, and normalize their use.
- Educating employees regularly – Mental health benefits should be communicated throughout the year, not just during open enrollment. Multi-channel communication, including emails, newsletters, and meetings, can raise awareness.
- Fostering a supportive culture – Promoting open conversations around mental health and encouraging use of available resources can reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment.
- Clarifying access – Clear guidance on how to use benefits can make employees more comfortable seeking care.
- Gathering employee feedback – Anonymous surveys allow employers to learn which benefits employees value most and make adjustments accordingly. Communicating any resulting changes helps employees feel heard.
Although the availability of mental health benefits has grown in recent years, significant barriers still limit employee engagement with these resources. By addressing obstacles directly and implementing supportive strategies, employers can boost utilization, improve employee well-being, strengthen engagement, and enhance organizational outcomes.
by admin | Oct 7, 2025 | Custom Content, Employee Benefits
Health Insurance today is significantly more complex for young workers than it was just a decade ago. This complexity is driven in large part by healthcare costs that have outpaced inflation, pushing premiums, copays, and other out-of-pocket expenses to comprise substantial portions of their budgets. For many younger employees, navigating this landscape is confusing – more than 50% of Gen Z and Millennial workers admit to randomly selecting a health insurance plan, and nearly half say they don’t know where to turn for help during open enrollment. This lack of guidance makes it difficult for them to anticipate costs and make informed decisions about their care.
They also don’t truly grasp basic health insurance terms like “premium” or “deductible.” This knowledge gap doesn’t just confuse employees; it costs businesses an estimated $106 billion to $238 billion annually due to poor health literacy.
The good news? We can turn the tide. Empowering employees to become smarter benefits consumers pays off for everyone, leading to better health outcomes and lower costs. The earlier this education begins, the greater the impact. Here are five practical strategies for helping young employees get up to speed on their benefits:
- Begin with the Basics – Assume nothing. Most employees, particularly those just starting out, aren’t familiar with insurance jargon. Start with “Benefits 101” initiatives that cover the absolute basics: common terms, the ins and outs of group health coverage, vesting schedules, and enrollment period restrictions. Laying this groundwork early helps ensure young employees can make the most of their benefits from day one.
- Highlight the Personal Value – Young employees want to know, “What’s in it for me?” Beyond basic definitions, highlight how a deeper understanding can translate into real-world savings. Explain provider networks and demonstrate how a little research can save thousands on medical procedures.
- Mix Up the Messaging – Traditional handouts are helpful, but young employees often engage more with dynamic content. Use a variety of formats—emails, videos, infographics, flyers, posters, and interactive presentations—to make benefits education more appealing and memorable. A diverse approach ensures the message reaches everyone.
- Make Education Ongoing – Benefits education shouldn’t be a one-time event. Start as soon as employees are hired and keep the conversation going year-round. Regularly discuss relevant topics, such as how to handle life events, use telemedicine, fill prescriptions, or choose between urgent care and the ER. Consider implementing a consistent communication schedule, tackling different benefits topics each month to keep knowledge fresh, especially as open enrollment approaches.
- Offer Personalized Support – Even with great resources, some employees will still have questions. Designate an HR team member as the go-to benefits expert, available for email, virtual, or in-person support. Encourage all employees to meet with HR at least once before open enrollment and consider one-on-one sessions to address individual concerns.
It’s up to employers to help their teams understand and use their benefits wisely—especially young employees who can’t be expected to make informed decisions without a solid grasp of the basics. The real-life reasons people give for delaying or avoiding care—or choosing an ER visit over a primary care doctor—are a powerful testament to why this education is so critical. By investing in benefits education, employers set everyone up for better health, financial security, and peace of mind.
by admin | Oct 6, 2025 | Cybersecurity
Protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime. While you can never be “hackproof,” you can become resilient in the online world.
At the heart of online safety are four essential behaviors we at the National Cybersecurity Alliance call the Core 4. These simple steps will help shield your personal information, protect your accounts, and keep your devices secure.
MEET THE CORE 4: CYBERSECURITY BASICS
1. Use long, unique, and complex passwords (and a password manager!)
Your passwords are the first line of defense between a criminal and your sensitive information.
Here’s how to have 0000:
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Every password must be long, unique, and complex. Nowadays, every password should be at least 16 characters long, which significantly overwhelms password-cracking programs. Use a random mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. And every account needs a unique password.
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Don’t reuse passwords! Every account needs a unique password. Unfortunately, making little changes, like adding numbers or switching out an S with a $, doesn’t count as a unique password.
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Use a password manager to store and generate strong passwords. If you’re wondering how to manage so many unique, long passwords, the answer is a password manager! There are many free, secure options. Password managers are the safest way to store your passwords. If you prefer to keep a password notebook, treat it like cash.
2. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication (sometimes called 2FA) adds an extra security layer by requiring something more than just your password to log in. Think of it as using two locks on your digital door instead of only one. This could be:
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A one-time code sent to your phone
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A biometric scan like a fingerprint scan or FaceID
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A physical security key
Enable MFA on your accounts – especially email, banking, and social media. It’s a simple way to supercharge the security on your accounts. Also, never share MFA codes with anyone – this includes not sharing them over the phone, through texts, or via email. Only scammers will ask for MFA codes.
3. Keep software updated
Software updates don’t just bring new features. They often fix security flaws that criminals exploit. It usually takes a few minutes, but updates are worth it. Here are some tips:
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Turn on automatic updates when possible for your devices and apps – you can usually find these options in your Settings menu.
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Install updates promptly for your operating systems, browsers, antivirus tools, and apps.
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Don’t click Remind Me Later – the security is worth it.
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Remember your phones, smartwatches, and tablets are computers – keep these devices updated as well!
4. Watch out for phishing and scams
Phishing remains the most common online threat. Criminals send fake emails, texts, or social media messages to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. These messages aim to get you to click before you think by playing your emotions. Scammers will even call you! Here’s how to look out for phishing and scams:
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Be highly skeptical of unexpected messages, especially those urging immediate action or asking for personal details.
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Phishing emails can light up positive emotions (“You’ve won our sweepstakes!”) or negative ones (“You’ve been hacked!”).
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Don’t click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
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Report phishing attempts to your email provider, social media platform, or IT department.
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If you’re unsure if a message is legit, ask a friend, coworker, or family member. A second set of eyes can be invaluable in spotting scams.
MORE SIMPLE TIPS TO STAY SAFE ONLINE!
5. Back it up
The best way to protect your valuable work, music, photos, data, and other digital information is to make copies and store them safely. If you have a copy of your data and your device falls victim to ransomware or other cyber threats, you can restore the data from a backup. If you break your computer or it crashes, you won’t lose the data along with the device. Use the 3-2-1 rule as a guide:
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Keep at least three (3) copies of your data.
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Store two (2) backup copies on different storage media, like on the cloud or on an external hard drive.
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One (1) copy should be located offsite – this includes the cloud!
Today, one of the easiest backup storage options is backing up to the cloud – the cloud is a network of secure computer servers that you can access through an online account.
6. Check your privacy settings
Every time you sign up for a new account, download a new app, or get a new device, configure the privacy and security settings to your comfort level for information sharing.
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Think about what information an app is asking for and if it’s necessary for the app to function.
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Think about who can see your profile.
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Audit your apps, platforms, and games every couple of months and delete the ones you don’t use.
7. Share with care
When you’re having fun on social media, think before posting about yourself and others. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it, and how it might affect you or others. With every post, think about:
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Who will see it?
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Could it reveal personal information?
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How might it affect your digital reputation?
8. Report phishing
One of the best ways to take down criminals is by reporting phishing attempts, and nowadays its easier than ever.
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If the email came to your work email address, report it to your IT manager or security team.
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If you’re at home and the email came to your personal email address, most email programs and social media platforms allow you to report phishing.
Do not click on any links (even the unsubscribe link) or reply back to the email. Also, don’t keep that phishing message around – delete it ASAP. You can further protect yourself by blocking the sender from your email program, social media platform or phone.
9. Don’t reply to mistaken texts or messages
A common scam nowadays starts with a seemingly “mistaken” text, where an unknown number contacts you, and it seems like a mistake.
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The text can be simple (“How are you”) or elaborate (“Do you have a dentist recommendation?”)
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If you respond, the other person will strike up a conversation and “friendship”
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These mistaken text scams, which are also called pig butchering scams, can last for weeks or months before the criminal requests money or tells you about an exciting investment opportunity.
Not responding to a text or call from a number you don’t know isn’t rude. It’s safe!
10. Use secure wi-fi
With your home router, remember to change the default password. When you’re out and about, public wi-fi is convenient, but its security might be questionable:
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Avoid accessing sensitive accounts like banking or email.
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Use a VPN or your phone’s hotspot for a more secure connection.
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Turn off auto-connect for wi-fi and Bluetooth. These settings can make your device connect to unknown or malicious networks automatically.
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On public computers in hotels, libraries, or cafes, avoid accessing personal accounts. If you must, always click “log out” – closing the browser isn’t enough.
Originally posted on National Cybersecurity Alliance
