Top 5 Health Stories Of 2019: LTCi, Workplace Benefits

An aging population and the need for workers to protect themselves were two recurring themes in InsuranceNewsNet’s most-read health-related articles in 2019

Employee benefits and long-term care insurance were the two biggest topics to attract the interest of INN’s readers in the past year.

Brokers were interested in articles describing ways they can survive in the benefits marketplace. And as the U.S. population continues to age, articles about funding long-term care also were read by many in the INN audience.

Here is a rundown of the five most popular InsuranceNewsNet articles relating to health insurance and benefits.

Benefits Brokers Continue To Face Challenges

Dave Chase is co-founder of Health Rosetta, which certifies benefits advisors to help their employer clients save money on employee benefits by improving the plans they offer their workers. Chase predicted 2019 would be marked by a backlash against high deductibles as consumers fear accessing health care because of rising out-of-pocket costs. He said benefits brokers need to evolve beyond selling to serving as resources to help their employer clients and their workers save money on health care.

Clients Are Staying On The Job Longer

Older Americans are remaining in the workforce longer and that affects their Medicare options. Roxanne Anderson of Ritter Insurance Marketing looked at the trend of clients who are still punching the time clock in their golden years and gave some advice to those whose clients are still working past the age of 65.

Insurers Pay Out Record LTC Amounts

More Americans need long-term care, and they turned to insurers to pay for that care. A record $10.3 billion in claims was paid in 2018 by the nation's long-term care insurance companies, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. Claims paid passed the $10 billion mark for the first time. Benefits were paid on more than 303,000 policies.

Wellness Programs Hit The Big 4-0

When workplace health programs first became a “thing” in 1979, their primary focus was reducing work-related injuries, thereby improving employee productivity and reducing costs. Today, wellness programs include many preventive care elements to help keep workers healthy. This includes services such as immunizations and screenings, acute and chronic care, specialized services, and physical therapy.

Brokers Look For Ways To Stand Out

The role of today’s insurance broker is more consultative than ever. Brokers are always on the hunt for ways to stand out from the competition and serve their clients better than anyone else. Successful consultants say a big part of their success hinges on the level of service they provide. Exceptional service can be the difference between missing your goals for the year and becoming a trusted advisor to your clients.

Susan Rupe is managing editor for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at Susan.Rupe@innfeedback.com. Follow her on Twitter @INNsusan.

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Susan Rupe is editor in chief, magazine, for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at susan.rupe@innfeedback.com.