Latest news with #employers
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
ICHRA adoption grows as Congress mulls codifying the coverage into law
This story was originally published on Healthcare Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Healthcare Dive newsletter. A nascent form of health coverage that creates an alternative gateway for employers to offer Affordable Care Act coverage to their workers is seeing rising uptake, especially among midsize to large employers. Adoption of individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements, or ICHRA plans, rose 34% from 2024 to 2025 among employers with 50 or more full-time employees, according to a new report from trade association the HRA Council. Still, the vast majority of ICHRA users remain companies with fewer than 20 employees, most of which are providing health coverage for the first time through the arrangements, the HRA Council said. ICHRA allows employees to shop and choose between plans on the ACA exchanges and have some or all of the cost offset by their employer through a stipend. Unlike in traditional group health plans, businesses can set a fixed amount to help their workers cover healthcare costs, defraying some financial risk from offering insurance. ICHRAs were first available as a coverage option in 2020, and have grown rapidly since, according to research. However, the lack of industry-wide data collection makes it difficult to get a clear picture of adoption nationwide — market experts estimate about 500,000 to one million Americans are covered in ICHRA arrangements. About 450,000 U.S. employees and their dependents were offered ICHRA or a qualified small employer HRA for the 2025 plan year, according to the new report. However, that estimate should be taken as a floor for the larger overall market, which could encompass one million people or more, the HRA Council said. Proponents of ICHRAs argue they create an avenue for employers to offer benefits that they may not be able to otherwise afford. The share of small businesses offering health insurance has dropped significantly over the past two decades, from upwards of 47% in 2000 to about 30% in 2023, according to an analysis by health software company TakeCommand. That decline has coincided with an increase in the cost of providing employer-sponsored insurance. As for employees, ICHRAs give them freedom to choose from a variety of plans based on their needs, instead of from a smaller range of choices set up by their employer. People who enroll in ACA plans via ICHRA tend to be younger as well, a population that's usually healthier — so, their enrollment helps stabilize the risk pools and keep marketplace plans affordable, ICHRA advocates say. The coverage arrangements were expanded by President Donald Trump during his first term in rulemaking in 2019, as the president promoted policy alternatives to traditional ACA coverage. However, unlike many of the Trump administration's healthcare priorities, ICHRAs enjoy relatively bipartisan support. Democrats generally approve of ICHRAs because they add new members to the ACA marketplaces, while Republicans support the expanded choices they provide employees. Though ICHRAs are backed by regulation, the plans have never been backed by law. However, that could soon change. Republicans in Congress are currently considering codifying ICHRAs as 'Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense' or 'CHOICE' plans. Massive reconciliation legislation passed by the House in June would also provide small employers offering ICHRAs with a tax credit. However, the Senate Finance Committee stripped the ICHRA provisions from the upper house's version of the bill released on Monday. To date, Indiana is the only state that's established a tax credit for ICHRA adoption, though a handful of others — including Ohio, Texas and Georgia — are considering the legislation that would create incentives for small employers to offer the arrangements, according to the HRA Council. The legislative uncertainty hasn't stopped private equity, venture capital and some major insurance companies from investing heavily into ICHRAs, betting that the market for the products will continue to grow. Investors have funneled millions of dollars into companies providing ICHRA administration and health benefits technology. Funding rounds this year alone include upwards of $100 million for Remodel Health, $40 million for Thatch and $20 million for Venteur, for example. Meanwhile Centene, the largest marketplace carrier in the U.S., is embarking on a full-court press to introduce more employees to its ICHRA plans. The insurer recently created a division wholly dedicated to promoting ICHRA and launched the arrangements in six states during open enrollment for 2025. 'Large-scale ICHRA adoption will be a journey of several years ... but considering the small group health insurance market covers 62 million Americans and the full commercial group market covers 170 million, we see a healthy addressable market over the long term,' Centene CEO Sarah London said during the payer's investor day in December. 'Aggressively pursuing this line of business is an easy choice,' London added. Similarly, Oscar Health has worked to expand its ICHRA membership, viewing it as a valuable alternative for smaller businesses to provide insurance as medical costs continue to rise, CEO Mark Bertolini said during an Axios event in Washington, D.C. in May. Recommended Reading Centene appoints first head of ICHRA products
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
WeCare tlc Celebrates 20 Years of Transforming Primary Care Delivery
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WeCare tlc, a pioneer in employer-based advanced primary care, proudly marks its 20th anniversary in 2025. For two decades, WeCare tlc has partnered with forward-thinking employers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care that empowers individuals to lead healthier lives at work and beyond. Since its founding in 2005, WeCare tlc has remained independently owned and operated, staying true to its mission to transform healthcare management through a proactive, holistic, and relationship-driven approach. What began as a bold vision to change how healthcare is delivered has evolved into a national model of workplace wellness and patient advocacy. "Celebrating 20 years is a meaningful milestone for our team and our partners. It speaks to the trust we've built, the care we've delivered, and the impact we've made together," says Raegan Le Douaron, President and CEO of WeCare tlc. "We remain committed to putting people first and helping organizations create healthier, more resilient communities." For HR leaders navigating rising healthcare costs, employee expectations, and organizational accountability, this milestone reaffirms what WeCare tlc has always delivered: a health center model designed with empathy, precision, and measurable results. By listening deeply to HR partners, tailoring staffing and services to fit unique populations, and providing transparent, data-rich reporting, WeCare tlc has become more than a vendor—it's a trusted extension of the HR team. Over the past 20 years, WeCare tlc has: Provided more than 3 million patient visits, delivering compassionate, cost-effective care that prioritizes long-term health outcomes and employee well-being. Built lasting partnerships with employers across the country, consistently earning 95+ Net Promoter Scores (NPS) and maintaining an average client tenure of over 7 years, demonstrating our commitment to quality, trust, and long-term value. Pioneered integrated health solutions by launching behavioral health services, enhancing care coordination through direct partnerships such as imaging, physical therapy, and medication management, and improving engagement through tools like client microsites and the WeCare tlc Wellness Program. Launched community-focused initiatives like ChamberCare, a new membership-based healthcare model in partnership with the Memphis Chamber of Commerce and YMCA, designed to expand access to advanced primary care for small businesses and underserved communities. "As we look to the future, I'm excited to truly harness the full expertise of our WeCare tlc primary care provider community to ensure we deliver the highest quality care in every patient encounter," said Le Douaron. "And I'm committed to proving—to our clients and the broader community—that primary care is not just essential but worth the investment. The future belongs to partners who listen, adapt, and deliver outcomes with integrity. That's who we've always been." About WeCare tlcWeCare tlc is a nationally recognized provider of advanced primary care services that improve health outcomes and lower costs through long-term partnerships with employers. With a holistic, data-driven approach, WeCare tlc goes beyond traditional care models to deliver personalized, preventative healthcare that helps employees and their families thrive—physically, mentally, and financially. To learn more, visit Media Contact:Gillian CunninghamGillian@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE WeCare tlc
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Health Ministry issues heat safety rules for workers
Muscat: The Ministry of Health has launched a set of comprehensive guidelines aimed at protecting construction workers from the dangers of heat stress during the peak summer months. As part of the national 'Safe Summer' campaign, the initiative provides employers with clear recommendations to safeguard their workforce amid rising temperatures. The advisory outlines three key pillars: Smart Work Scheduling: Employers are urged to assign strenuous tasks during early mornings or late afternoons. To limit exposure, construction and outdoor work must pause between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. throughout June, July, and August. Regular Breaks: Workers should be given breaks every 45 to 60 minutes when operating in hot environments. These breaks must be taken in shaded or air-conditioned areas with access to drinking water to maintain hydration. Cooling and Ventilation: The Ministry recommends equipping indoor workspaces with fans or air conditioning. On outdoor sites, portable fans and shaded canopies should be provided to reduce heat exposure. These safety measures are intended to minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses and ensure safe, humane working conditions during Oman's hottest season. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to worker health, urging all employers to adhere strictly to the guidelines.
Forbes
a day ago
- Health
- Forbes
Time To Abolish High-Deductible Health Plans
A draft copy of the form proposed for use to apply for low-cost insurance from Medicaid Tuesday Mar. ... More 12, 2013. (AP Photo/J. David Ake) Over the past decade and a half, the American healthcare system has undergone a silent revolution. I'm not referring to the Affordable Care Act, but instead to a separate paradigm shift in how Americans pay for their healthcare—they increasingly find themselves in insurance plans that carry high out-of-pocket expenses, meaning their coverage doesn't leave them well covered. Almost half of Americans younger than 65 are currently enrolled in high deductible health plans, required to pay for the first $1,000, $2,000, or even $5,000 of their health care expenses before their insurance kicks in. Euphemistically referred to as Consumer-Directed Health Plans, these high out-of-pocket programs are in theory supposed to incentivize people to scrutinize the cost and quality of their medical care, thus bringing pressure on providers to lower the price and/or raise the quality of their services. This theory isn't borne out in practice. As a matter of practice and policy, we need to stop burdening people with the expense of necessary care. As recently as a decade ago, less than 15% of Americans were enrolled in high-deductible health plans. Since then, American employers have turned to such plans to hold down the costs of the benefits they offer their employees. High-deductible health plans hold down employer expenses by shifting costs to employees. First, employers save money because the first $5,000 of each employee's healthcare expenses come out of those employees' pockets. Second, high-deductible health plans dissuade employees from receiving medical care. That saves employers money by lowering overall healthcare expenditures. Both of these ways of saving money harm Americans. The shift of expenses from employer to employee is a huge financial burden on low- and middle-income Americans, for whom an unexpected $5,000 expense creates financial distress. High-deductible health plans put many people one illness away from missing their next mortgage payment. High-deductible health plans frequently force people to decide whether to seek medical care. When facing high out-of-pocket expenses, people often avoid necessary medical care. They stop taking important medications or wait out troubling symptoms that require urgent intervention. Consider what happens when people with diabetes get forced into high-deductible health plans by their employers. When they begin experiencing complications from their diabetes—perhaps early vision problems or symptoms suggesting the onset of heart disease—they hold off on receiving tests to evaluate those symptoms. People with high-deductible plans receive less testing than those with more generous coverage. That might save money in the short run. But what about later, when they experience retinal bleeding or clogged coronary arteries? The turn towards high-deductible health plans has harmed Americans financially and medically. The federal government should disincentivize employers from pushing people into such plans by scaling back tax breaks for employers that provide only high-deductible plans to their employees. Americans deserve insurance plans that cover them for what counts.
CNA
a day ago
- Health
- CNA
MOM to conduct sample checks on maids for measles immunity
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will conduct sample checks and take action against employers who cannot prove that their maids are immune to measles. The ministry may request documentary proof of immunity. Employers who do not comply may have their work pass privileges suspended until vaccination proof is submitted, MOM and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Thursday (Jun 19) in response to media queries. MOM announced last week that from Sep 1, maids working in households with young children who are not fully vaccinated against measles must be immunised against the disease. Employers with children below the age of seven must declare if their maid is already vaccinated or immune to measles, if a vaccination appointment has been booked for maids who are unvaccinated, and if all children under seven are fully vaccinated. They must do so at the point of work permit issuance or when renewing the work permit. A maid does not need to be vaccinated if she is immune to measles or if all the children in the household aged under seven are fully vaccinated against measles. SEROLOGICAL TESTS Maids who do not have documentary proof of their vaccination can take a serological test at a general practitioner clinic to verify their immunity to measles. Alternatively, they can consider receiving the measles vaccination again. While retaking the vaccine is "generally safe", said MOM and CDA, employers and their maids should consult a doctor to discuss if a serological test or vaccination is more appropriate. The cost of a serological test ranges between S$60 and S$100, depending on the clinic and lab. "Employers should check with their medical provider on the cost and availability of these services," said MOM and CDA. Maids are advised to keep a copy of their proof of immunity or vaccination. The new measures come amid a recent jump in infections in the United States. Eleven cases have been recorded in Singapore this year as of Jun 7, according to the Ministry of Health's (MOH) weekly infectious disease bulletin. MOM said last week that the measures are aimed at protecting unvaccinated young children who are at higher risk of serious health complications from measles infections. To be fully vaccinated, two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are required, at an interval of at least 28 days between doses. SIDE EFFECTS MOM and CDA said on Thursday that the MMR vaccine is generally safe, although some people may experience mild side effects, such as soreness, redness or swelling at the site of the injection, or occasionally fever and rash. Employers will need to cover the cost of outpatient treatment for mild side effects, MOM and CDA said. In the "unlikely event of a serious reaction" that requires hospitalisation, maids will be covered by medical insurance. When asked if MOM has plans to make measles immunity mandatory for other sectors, it said the government has imposed immunity requirements for staff in preschools and healthcare institutions. There are no plans to mandate this for other sectors.
