Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in Alabama, Louisiana and MississippiThe cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer.
Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in Minnesota and WisconsinThe cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer.
Legal & General Reveals the Cost of Delaying Pension Saving Can Run into Thousands of PoundsLegal & General has calculated the full cost of delaying pension contributions, revealing how important it is that people start saving for income in retirement as early as possible.
Fresh Start Foundation to present 401k edcation programFRESH START WOMEN'S FOUNDATION TO OFFER A 401(K) EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT HELPS WOMEN TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE
National Parkinson’s Conference to Spotlight Financial Matters, SSDIAllsup executives Mary Dale Walters, Paul Gada to speak at national Young-Onset Parkinson’s Network Conference in Atlanta on Aug.7-9, 2008
Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in IllinoisThe cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the 2008 Compensation Data – Illinois survey reported nearly all Illinois employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan.
Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in United StatesThe preliminary Compensation Data 2008 survey results found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.
SurePayroll Named to Chicago's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work ForNational Association for Business Resources honors SurePayroll as a great place to work.
Pensions Outperformed 401(k) Plans During Last Bull Market, Watson WyattRates of return for defined benefit (DB)
pension plans outpaced those for employee-directed 401(k) plans during the
most recent bull market from 2003 to 2006, according to an analysis by
Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting firm.
Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in IndianaThe cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the 2008 Compensation Data – Indiana survey reported nearly all Indiana employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan. The survey also found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.
Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in United StatesThe cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the preliminary Compensation Data 2008 survey results reported nearly all U.S. employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan. The survey also found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.
MassMutual Announces Web Site Enhancement That Helps Employees Save for Retirement SoonerParticipants can now enroll automatically through ExpressEnroll(SM), MassMutual's new online tool
Social Workers and Human Resource Managers in High Demand as Weak Economy Hits Home for ManyFindings of Report, Jobfox Most Wanted U.S. Job Candidates: June 2008
MassMutual Clients Express High Satisfaction with Plan Installation ProcessAccording to both retirement plan clients and advisors, the Retirement Services Division of MassMutual Financial Group continues to meet or exceed their expectations throughout the plan installation process.
The data is derived from MassMutual's recently completed new client implementation
David Hudecek Joins Buck Consultants as DirectorDavid Hudecek has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Washington, DC office.
Nicole Giantonio Joins Buck Consultants as Senior Vice PresidentNicole Giantonio has joined Buck Consultants as Senior Vice President of Sales. She is based in the firm's New York office.
MassMutual Completes Acquisition of First Mercantile Trust CompanyMassachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today it has completed its previously announced purchase of First Mercantile Trust Company from SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI).
MassMutual to Host Free Advisor WebEx Regarding Opportunities in the Nonprofit MarketMassMutual's Retirement Services Division is offering a free WebEx session exclusively for retirement plan advisors to discuss "Opportunities in the Nonprofit Market." The
MassMutual Offers Free Research Paper on Target Retirement Date Investments as QDIAsMassMutual's Retirement Services Division has released a new research paper regarding the use of target retirement date investments as the default option for retirement plans with automatic enrollment.
ING Debuts Video on Web Highlighting Commitment to EnvironmentWhat: ING debuts a new video on the Web that answers the question: What if large companies took responsibility for environmental stewardship and made it part of their fundamental business strategy?
William White Joins Buck Consultants as Principal William White has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in the firm's Compensation consulting practice.
Large Employers Slow Changes to Retirement Plans, Watson Wyatt FindsMore Than Half of FORTUNE 100 Continue to Offer Defined Benefit Plans
Anthony Rienzi has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in the firm's New York officeRienzi has served in leadership, client management and consulting roles with several leading human resource and benefits consulting firms. His most recent position was with The Segal Company, where he was a Senior Vice President and Regional Health Practice Leader.
MassMutual Hosts 2-Day Conference in Support of Its TPA AllianceMassMutual's Retirement Services Division hosted its 2008 TPA Conference at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., May 14 - 16.
Sandra Runco Joins Buck Consultants as DirectorSandra Runco has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's New York office.
MassMutual Names Hugh O'Toole Head of Sales and Distribution for RSDMassMutual Names Hugh O'Toole Head of Sales and Distribution for Retirement Services Division
Employees Without Access to Health Coverage Outside Work Are Far Less Likely to RetireRetirement Plan Coverage is also a Factor, According to Watson Wyatt
Mercer urges changes to FASB disclosure proposal for retirement plan assetsMercer today urged the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to modify its proposed expansion of employers’ disclosures of pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets. In a comment letter sent to the FASB, Mercer expressed concern that certain aspects of the new disclosure standards could be too costly to employers and that implementation by year-end 2008, as called for in the FASB proposal, will be a struggle for plan sponsors – particularly those with multiple plans and geographies. Mercer called for a one-year extension of the effective date of new disclosures under the proposal.
ExpertPlan Brings On 12 New Private Label Partners in Q1 '08ExpertPlan started 2008 with tremendous growth, signing 12 new private label partners despite a challenging first quarter within both the financial and retirement plan markets. The new partners represent certified public accountants, financial services firms, and third party administrators nationwide.
Duane Lee has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in the firm's Pittsburgh officeLee joins Buck from Hewitt Associates, where he served as Principal and Health Management Consulting Actuary. Prior to that, he spent 19 years with Buck.
Chantel Sheaks Joins Buck Consultants as PrincipalChantel Sheaks has joined Buck Consultants as Principal of Government Affairs in the firm's Washington, D.C. office.
Suzanne Johnson Joins Buck Consultants as DirectorSuzanne Johnson has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Secaucus, NJ office.
SOCIAL MEDIA: THE NEXT FRONTIER IN EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONWatson Wyatt Experts Say Social Media Can Benefit Employers;Guidelines for Use, Change Management the Key
MORE COMPANIES, WORKERS ADOPT CONSUMER-DIRECTED HEALTH PLANSNearly Half of Employers Now Have CDHPs,
Watson Wyatt/National Business Group on Health Survey Finds
Pension Protection Act Updates to Benefits Compliance BookWith basic employment safeguards to communicate to senior management, this reader-friendly summary of federal laws by WorldatWork is essential when it comes to compliance in employee benefit plan design, maintenance and operation.
Employers Enhancing 401(k)s To Compensate for Retirement Plan ChangesEmployers Enhancing 401(k)s To Compensate for Retirement Plan Changes,Watson Wyatt FindsHybrid Plans Are Increasingly Attractive Alternative
Education Level and Marital Status Among Factors Influencing 401(k) InvestingEducation Level And Marital Status Among Factors Influencing 401(k)Investing, Watson Wyatt Finds
MassMutual to Acquire The First Mercantile Trust Company From SunTrust Banks, Inc.Agreement will expand MassMutual's Retirement Services business; An 'important strategic step forward'
Standing Out: Benefits That Impact RecruitmentThe number of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island organizations actively recruiting has increased over the last five years from 89.6 to 95.4 percent. In this competitive market, employers must look to a variety of benefits to stand out.
MassMutual Demonstrates Commitment to Advisors with New Elite Advisor ProgramMassMutual Demonstrates Commitment to Retirement Advisors with New Elite
Advisor Program
Larry Langer has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in the firm's Chicago officeLanger joins Buck from Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company, where he headed its Chicago office. In addition to his consulting and client management expertise, Langer's experience includes responsibility for financial results, staff development, execution of business strategy, and new business.
Thinking of Retiring on the Beach? Start Saving NowMost U.S. employees know they should save more for retirement. However with the personal savings rate at negative .5 percent (www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm), individuals are spending more than they earn, depleting their savings and increasing debt.
AARP and Jackstreet Media Offer Mature Workers Fast Answers to Top Employment QuestionsRadio program for jobseekers age 50 and over expanded.
When it comes to keeping employees happy and productive, nothing tops flexible work arrangementsWhen it comes to keeping employees happy and productive, nothing tops flexible work arrangements, according to a new poll by LifeCare®, Inc., provider of comprehensive specialty care services and a longtime leader in the work/life industry.
ExpertPlan Expands Payroll Foothold with 5 New Payroll CompaniesExpertPlan announced it inked deals with five nationwide payroll companies in December 2007, providing each firm with its own fully branded 401(k) product. ExpertPlan now boasts seven new payroll partners since launching its private label 401(k) program within the payroll channel in late 2007. The company, which now has a dedicated sales and relationship management team devoted solely to supporting the needs of its payroll partners, anticipates bringing in over a dozen more payroll companies in 2008.
Thinking of Retiring on the Beach? Start Saving NowMost U.S. employees know they should save more for retirement. However with the personal savings rate at negative .5 percent (www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm), individuals are spending more than they earn, depleting their savings and increasing debt.
Buck Consultants Finds Executive Retirement Plans Alive and Well After Final IRS RulesAn overwhelming majority of employers have no intention of terminating their nonqualified executive retirement plans as a result of final Internal Revenue Code rules governing these arrangements.
Vikram Singh has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Secaucus, N.J. officeSingh joins Buck from PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served as Senior Consultant. His expertise includes consulting on prescription drug benefits, pharmacy benefit management, health care cost containment strategies, vendor selection, and Medicare Part D issues.
Vikram Singh has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Secaucus, N.J. officeSingh joins Buck from PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served as Senior Consultant. His expertise includes consulting on prescription drug benefits, pharmacy benefit management, health care cost containment strategies, vendor selection, and Medicare Part D issues.
Pension Funds Had Banner Year, Watson Wyatt's Pension Risk Index FindsOutlook Strong Despite Recent Events
MassMutual Retirement Services Continues Aggressive Expansion of its Third Party Distribution Sales Hugh O'Toole Joins MassMutual as Corporate Vice President, Northeast Division
Sales Manager and Nonprofit Market Leader
Buck Consultants to Provide Consulting and Actuarial Services to Wyoming Retirement System Buck Consultants, an ACS company and one of the world's leading human resource and benefits consulting firms, today announced that it has been selected by the Wyoming Retirement System to continue providing retirement plan services for its defined benefit pension plans.
Julie Egbert has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in the firm's San Francisco officeEgbert joins Buck from SAP America, Inc., where she served as Principal.
John O'Donnell has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Atlanta officeO'Donnell joins Buck after serving as Director of Human Resources at Bloomin Apple, a casual dining franchise group. He also held senior corporate HR positions with several other companies.
Buck Consultants Survey: Health Care Costs Projected to Increase at Double-Digit LevelsCosts for the most popular types of health care coverage are projected to increase at double-digit rates through the remainder of 2007 and into 2008, according to a national survey of insurers and administrators.
Christopher Young has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in its New York officeChristopher Young has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in its New York office, where he will lead the Talent Management and Rewards Strategies practice in the metropolitan New York region.
Mark Strakowski has joined Buck Consultants Mark Strakowski has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Cincinnati office.
New Book Guides Practitioners Through Changing Retirement LandscapeGuide to Qualified Retirement Plans: How-to Series for the HR Professional, by Leonard Sanicola, CCP, CBP, GRP, CEBS, SPHR, provides benefits specialists and human resource professionals with a basic understanding of the different types of retirement programs, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
403(b) Plan Workshop A New World for 403(b) PlansSunGard announced the schedule for the 2007 403(b) Plan Workshop. The IRS has issued final 403(b) regulations, replacing existing guidance dating back 40 years.
MassMutual to Host WebEx Session Regarding Advantages of Fiduciary Warranty for AdvisorsMassMutual Retirement Services
Division will present a free WebEx education session for retirement plan
advisors and third-party administrators to share the terms, conditions and
benefits of its Fiduciary Warranty. The third-party certification component of
the MassMutual Smart Architecture(SM) Investment Program will be reviewed,
followed by a discussion of how to qualify for the Fiduciary Warranty.
ACS and Wealth Management Systems Inc. to Offer Enhanced IRA and Annuity ServicesAffiliated Computer Services, Inc. announced today that it will leverage the technology of Wealth Management Systems Inc. (WMSI) to offer an innovative suite of distribution options that allow retirement plan participants to research and select the financial institution to which they will roll over their retirement assets.
Susan Minis has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in its New York City office. Minis joins Buck from the New York City Comptroller’s Office, where she served as Director of Fixed Income and Rebalancing.
More Retirees Relaunching CareersMany retirees are returning to the workforce to overcome boredom and limited finances. Yet making a career comeback can be very problematic for those facing ageism and gaps in their work history. In their new book professional resume writers Louise Kursmark and Wendy Enelow help retirees address these issues and quickly return to work through savvy resume strategies that make the most of a retiree's experience and achievements.
42.8% of Corporations Offer Some Type of Consumer-Driven Health Care OptionNew survey looks at employee benefits offered in several employment sectors.
MassMutual Teams with The Conservation Fund on Electronic Prospectus DeliveryIn an effort to drive awareness of its electronic prospectus delivery option among retirement plan
sponsors and participants, MassMutual's Retirement Services Division is
collaborating with The Conservation Fund's Go Zero(SM) program to help address
two of the world's most pressing environmental issues -- climate change and
habitat loss.
Buck Consultants to Provide Consulting and Actuarial Services to Nebraska Public EmployeesBuck Consultants to Provide Consulting and Actuarial Services to Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System
MassMutual and Clients Capture Gold, Silver and Bronze 'Signature Awards' From Profit Sharing/401(k)PSCA Signature Awards competition honors excellence in retirement plan
communication and education
Standing Out: Benefits That Impact RecruitmentThe number of Michigan organizations actively recruiting has increased over the last five years from 80.1 to 93.5 percent. In this competitive market, employers must look to a variety of benefits to stand out.
Thomas Burke has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in its Pittsburgh office. Burke joins Buck after having worked as an independent consultant for several years. Prior to that, he served with Mercer Human Resource Consulting as a Principal. His expertise includes design and implementation of employee compensation, performance management, and recognition programs.
The Online 401(k) Salutes the Champions of 401(k) Fee DisclosureAs part of its public crusade against hidden fees, The Online 401(k), (www.theonline401k.com), the nation’s leading provider of full-service Web-based 401(k) plans for small businesses, today recognized the top three champions for the full disclosure of hidden 401(k) fees.
FieldMedia, LLC to Launch New Web 2.0 Websites for the Benefits and Compensation CommunitiesFieldMedia, LLC to Launch New Web 2.0 Websites for the Benefits and Compensation and Consumer Directed Healthcare Communities
In partnership with HR.com, CDHC and Benefits and Compensations Solutions Publications move into a new interactive online environment.
FieldMedia, is pleased to announce the launch of their two newly redesigned websitesIn partnership with HR.com, CDHC and Benefits and Compensations Solutions Publications move into a new interactive online environment.
Linda Ulrich has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in its Secaucus, N.J. office. Ulrich joins Buck from MassMutual Financial Group, where she served as Director of Compensation for its U.S. Insurance Group.
MassMutual Names Ian Sheridan and Eric Wietsma Corporate Vice PresidentsMassMutual Financial Group has promoted two key members of its Retirement Services Division's management team
to corporate vice president: Ian Sheridan and Eric Weitsma.
AmeriHealth Mercy Teams with Health Career Professionals, LLC to Staff New Health ProgramAmeriHealth Mercy, the nation's largest family of managed Medicaid plans has retained Franklin, Tennessee based Health Career Professionals, LLC to fill more than 50 open positions for the Indiana CareSelect Program, located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Paul Baugher has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in its St. Louis officeBaugher joins Buck from Towers Perrin. His expertise covers the full range of retirement plan issues, including plan design, valuations, forecasting, and accounting standards.
Rob Goren has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in its Atlanta officeGoren joins Buck from CompBenefits Corporation, where he served as Vice President and Actuary, and was responsible for managing the company’s actuarial, dental underwriting, and vision underwriting departments.
MassMutual Will Introduce Fiduciary Warranty to the Defined Contribution Market in Fourth QuarterWarranty Will Apply to Group Annuity and Registered Products in MassMutual's Smart Architecture(SM) Investment Program
Thomas Chuba has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in its Pittsburgh officeChuba joins Buck from Aetna Inc., where he served as Regional Sales Vice President of its Government and Labor Division.
Thompson’s Entire HR and Benefits Library -- Now Just a Click AwayThompson is launching an online version of their entire HR library. The site is fully searchable, hyperlinked and updated daily.
HOLDING BACK THE ‘GOLDEN’ YEARS New Survey Indicates Majority Plan to Postpone Retirement For many workers, retirement won’t mean an end to their careers. Only one in three workers (34 percent) polled said they plan to quit work entirely once they’re ready to retire from full-time employment, according to a just-released survey.
Adding Annuities May Be Next Frontier in 401(k) PlansFaced with the possibility that a growing number
of employees will outlive their income in retirement, companies will likely
consider offering annuities as a new investment option in their 401(k)
plans, say experts at Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting
firm.
Martin Schmidt has joined Buck Consultants as Director in its Chicago office. Schmidt joins Buck from MAS Advisors. His expertise includes defined contribution plan design, vendor selection and management, plan implementation and administration, M&A issues, and product development. In addition to 401(k) plans, Martin has consulted in the 403(b) and 457 plan markets.
Agreement Provides Services for 15,000 Pension Plan MembersExcellerateHRO Signs Contract Extension with TOTAL in the UK for Benefits Administration Outsourcing
Al Phelps has joined Buck Consultants' Chicago office as Principal. Phelps joins Buck from Mercer Human Resources Consulting, where he had served in its Chicago and Mexico City offices. His expertise includes global benefits plan design, valuations, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance issues.
Pension Plan Freezes Slowing, Watson Wyatt Finds Most Firms Committed to Keeping PlansThe rate of pension plan freezes among FORTUNE
1000 firms has slowed, and the majority of companies with defined benefit
plans are committed to keeping them. These are the findings of two new
studies by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting firm.
Retirement Benefits MainThinking of Retiring on the Beach? Start Saving Now.Most U.S. employees know they should save more for retirement. However with the personal savings rate at negative 1.4 percent (www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm), individuals are spending more than they earn, depleting their savings and increasing debt.
ACS/Buck to Provide Lafarge Canada With Pension Plan Administration ServicesACS/Buck, one of Canada’s leading human resource and benefits consulting firms, today announced that it has been retained by Lafarge to continue providing administration services for Lafarge’s Canadian defined benefit pension plans. ACS/Buck has provided services to Lafarge since 1997.
New Consulting Service Launched at 59th Annual SHRM Conference to Help Human Resource ManagersNew Consulting Service Launched at 59th Annual SHRM Conference to Help Human Resource Managers and Benefit Consulting Firms Address Long Term Healthcare Planning in the Workforce
Cammack LaRhette Consulting Sponsors Learning Series Aimed at 403(b) Plan Sponsors Cammack LaRhette Consulting is launching its 403(b) Learning Series to help Plan Sponsors better understand their responsibilities and better manage their retirement plans in a time when 403(b) plans are under pressure from government regulation, media attention and legal challenges.
COMPANIES SEEK MORE CONSISTENCY IN GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, WATSON WYATT FINDS Regulatory Differences Pose Challenges to Broader Pension Governance