Latest news with #NationalConferenceonStateLegislatures
Business Journals
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
The escalating cost of employee benefits — and how PEOs can help
There's no way around it: Employers spend a significant amount to provide health care benefits. As of March 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that private-sector employers spend an average of $3.23 per hour, per employee on health insurance. For smaller companies, these rising costs can feel especially burdensome—and they rarely go down. In 2023 alone, employer health insurance expenses rose 5.2%, with more increases expected, according to Mercer's National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans. That means employers are left facing a consistent challenge: how to contain the cost of employee benefits without sacrificing quality. Why Benefit Costs Keep Rising Some cost increases are beyond an employer's control, including: Medical inflation (the rising cost of care) Regulatory and reporting requirements Another major factor: claims history. Like car insurance, higher claims often lead to higher premiums. But predicting claims year to year is difficult. Additionally, small and mid-sized businesses often lack the time, resources, or expertise to: Analyze claims data Identify cost-saving opportunities Negotiate competitive rates Their smaller employee headcounts also reduce bargaining power. In fact, the National Conference on State Legislatures reports that small businesses pay 8% to 18% more for the same coverage as larger companies. Why Providing Benefits Still Matters Even with high costs, offering quality benefits remains crucial. Here's why: Attract top talent: Job seekers expect strong benefits. Without them, you can't compete. Boost engagement and retention: Good benefits foster loyalty and job satisfaction. Promote health and productivity: When employees have access to care, they're more likely to stay healthy and miss fewer days. Stay compliant: Companies with 50+ full-time employees may face penalties under the Affordable Care Act if they don't offer affordable, compliant plans. In short, cutting benefits isn't an option for most companies— but managing them more efficiently is. How a PEO Can Help Control Benefits Costs A professional employer organization (PEO) can be a game-changer for small and mid-sized businesses struggling with rising benefit costs. 1. Save Time and Resources PEOs typically sponsor and manage benefit plans for their clients, assuming responsibility for: Negotiating with vendors Ensuring compliance Managing benefit administration That means your internal team no longer has to spend time researching plans, comparing rates, or handling day-to-day benefits tasks— saving you both time and money. 2. Improve Employee Education and Enrollment PEOs also manage employee education and support during benefits enrollment. They offer tools to help employees understand their options and choose wisely—without burdening your internal team. This enhances the employee experience while freeing you from answering routine benefits questions or managing enrollment logistics. 3. Offer Additional Health & Wellness Support Reputable PEOs often include access to wellness services and fringe benefits that encourage a healthier workforce—helping reduce future claims and boost morale. These may include: Wellness programs focused on stress, fitness, nutrition, and tobacco cessation On-site health screenings to increase awareness and detect early health risks Workplace safety policies to prevent injuries Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for mental health, grief, or personal struggles These initiatives can proactively reduce medical claims, absenteeism, and long-term healthcare expenses. The Bottom Line Containing the cost of employee benefits is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, but especially for small and mid-sized companies that lack leverage and HR capacity. Key takeaways: Health insurance costs rise annually, often beyond what small businesses can control. Smaller employers often pay more and struggle with the administrative workload of benefits management. Partnering with a PEO can help you control costs, save time, reduce risk, and offer better employee experiences. If you're looking for a way to support your employees while protecting your bottom line, exploring a PEO relationship could be a smart move. At Insperity, it's not just HR outsourcing, it's HR that makes a difference. Our comprehensive, scalable HR solutions offer an optimal blend of service and technology to facilitate growth by streamlining processes related to payroll, benefits, talent management and HR compliance. We provide the tools to help you lighten your administrative load, maximize productivity and manage risks – so you can focus on growth. Because that's what it means to have a true HR partner.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Idaho Republican proposes to eliminate absentee ballots for elections without approved excuse
An Idaho Republican proposed to restrict no-excuse absentee voting on Tuesday, limiting the options residents have to cast ballots on or before Election Day. Rep. Joe Alfieri, R-Coeur d'Alene, introduced a bill to require any citizen who seeks to vote absentee to have an excuse of illness or disability, military service, absence from a religious mission, staying at an out-of-state residence or living in a mail ballot-only precinct. The proposal would also allow anyone 65 or older to vote absentee. Across the U.S., 28 states have no-excuse absentee voting, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures. Another nine conduct elections entirely by mail. Alfieri's bill also would prohibit any local officials from sending absentee ballot requests to voters unless they request them. 'It has been found across the country that it is a potential area for fraud,' Alfieri told a House committee, adding that putting a ballot in the mail means you 'lose the chain of command.' There is no evidence mail-in ballots lead to voter fraud, according to The Brookings Institution. The bill would make it so there is 'potential criminal liability for misapplying for a ballot,' Alfieri said. In November, more than 173,000 residents voted absentee, according to state data. Lawmakers have previously tried to restrict absentee voting. A bill to do so last year failed. Secretary of State Phil McGrane's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. McGrane, a Republican, opposed last year's absentee proposal. 'I'd like to see some real examples of absentee voter fraud rather than potential examples,' Rep. Todd Achilles, D-Boise, told the committee, adding that he doesn't see how a voter could predict they will be sick or out of town in time to apply for a ballot ahead of an election. 'We seem to be writing voter legislation that favors folks over 65 with homes outside of Idaho,' he said. In the November election, dozens of voters in Ada County were unable to vote because of new restrictions on voting laws, Ada County Clerk Trent Tripple previously told the Idaho Statesman. On Monday, Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, introduced a bill to prevent voters from signing sworn affidavits if they forget to bring their photo ID with them to the polls.
