Managing regulatory and compliance risk in the face of constantly evolving rules and guidelines is a significant challenge for both the payers and the providers who make up the United States’ healthcare industry, creating a market need for systems that can consistently support regulatory, reimbursement and compliance professionals. A June 2017 white paper from management consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, The Increasing Challenge of Managing Regulatory and Compliance Risk,

Recognition of dedicated, long-term service is the most prevalent type of rewards and recognition program in place among Canadian employers. However, a Conference Board of Canada study published in June 2017 suggests that these programs may not appeal to younger generations who typically have shorter tenures. The Power of Appreciation: Rewards and Recognition Practices in Canadian Organizations summarizes the findings of a survey conducted between June and August 2016

The cost of medical care will continue to rise, according to Willis Towers Watson’s annual Global Medical Trends Survey for 2017, published in June 2017. The survey points out that while the trend has slowed in some countries, it is still mostly above inflation. It can be attributed to the overall cost of hospital and inpatient services, basic medical and outpatient services, provider and employee behavior, new medical technology,

Workers are getting better at balancing work and home life, according to a Robert Half Management Resources survey published in June 2017 that revealed that the majority of professionals (52 percent) believe their work-life balance has improved from three years ago. Employers and employees alike are emphasizing work-life balance, and managers contribute by giving their teams more freedom over where and when they work, if possible, and providing greater

Zurich’s International business (Zurich International) in August 2017 launched its Target Date Funds (TDFs) as part of the investment proposition available with the International Pension Plan (IPP), and International Corporate Investment Plan (ICIP). Zurich International claims it is the first financial services group to offer a US Dollar TDF solution in the International Pensions & Savings market. With their focus on simplicity, value for money and positive retirement outcomes

U.S. health insurance comparison platform HealthCare.com in June 2017 announced the launch of The CheckUp, a new online blog meant to equip Americans with the knowledge and insight to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare. More than one-third of Americans are unaware that “Obamacare” is another name for the Affordable Care Act, according to a poll conducted by Morning Consult earlier this year. Led by Ronald Barba, a veteran

Private insurance claim lines with opioid abuse and dependence diagnoses were found in every age group from 13-18 years to over 80 years, and in urban areas, in every age group from 13-18 years to 71-80 years. Further, claim lines with opioid abuse and dependence diagnoses were more concentrated among middle-aged people in rural settings, and young and middle-aged people in urban settings. These findings are based on a

American International Group (AIG), IBM, and Standard Chartered Bank, in June 2017 announced they have successfully piloted the first multinational “smart contract”-based insurance policy using blockchain, a distributed ledger technology. The three parties chose to execute this initiative in one of the most complicated areas of commercial insurance – multinational risk transfer – to better understand blockchain’s potential to reduce friction and increase trust in other areas of the

Recently launched advocacy organization Cross Border Benefits Alliance-Europe (CBBA-Europe) in August 2017 announced plans to hold its inaugural conference in November or in December, 2017. CBBA-Europe’s purpose is to promote cross-border and pan-European employee benefit plans in Europe. To join the Alliance or for more information about the upcoming conference, contact CBBA-Europe’s Secretary General, Francesco Briganti. Phone +32 2 401 87 92, email francesco.briganti@cbba-europe.eu

The Provider Data Action Alliance, a U.S.-based non-profit cross-section of healthcare leaders, in July 2017 began work on a wide-ranging effort to improve the accuracy of provider data for industry stakeholders and patients. The alliance, which represents health, dental and vision plans; provider organizations, health systems, government and health information exchanges, has developed a roadmap that articulates actionable strategies and vision for obtaining and sharing high-quality provider information that

Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG) in June 2017 acquired HolaDoctor, the leading digital provider of health and wellness solutions for Hispanic audiences, in a significant strategic initiative by PALIG that both expands its presence in the U.S. Hispanic market and strengthens its position as a healthcare leader in Latin America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 1999, HolaDoctor is an online resource for Hispanic consumers interested

Advocacy organization Cross Border Benefits Alliance-Europe (CBBA-Europe) in July 2017 was launched to promote cross-border/pan-European employee benefit plans in Europe, including pensions, healthcare, disability, long-term care, and well-being/wellness programs. The Alliance “is strongly convinced that the current national barriers to the creation of cross-border employee benefits represent a useless burden and foolish costs for sponsor companies and future beneficiaries”. CBBA-Europe will lobby E.U. institutions and member states to remove

The reinsurance and capital advisory division of Aon, Aon Benfield, in June 2017 announced the appointment of Andy Marcell as its president, based in New York and reporting to Aon Benfield CEO Eric Andersen. Since 2015, he was Aon Benfield’s head of strategy, joining from the position of CEO of Guy Carpenter’s U.S. operations and head of its global facultative business. He had joined Guy Carpenter in 1990 as

The Immigration Industry Association (IIA), in July 2017 officially launched as a non-profit, professional association for the global immigration industry and the wider migrant and expat community. The association provides a forum for the immigration community to come together to network, share ideas, information, research and experiences. Its core objectives include: Linking the immigration industry together and providing opportunities for collaboration Creating a supportive forum for individuals, companies, non-profits