Top blogs of 2014

From streamlined sales improvement tips to “monsters” in the Affordable Care Act, EBA has the best bloggers in the business who share their take on what’s hot in benefits. Take a look at the top 10 blogs of 2014 for a range of advice and business acumen.

1) Aetna buys bswift: Why benefit brokers must pay attention

There was more to Aetna’s announcement that it will acquire exchange provider bswift than meets the eye, said health technology consultant Joe Markland. In fact, it’s another signal that brokers need to recognize the benefits world is changing around them, he said. Read it here.

2) Does Apple's HealthKit signal the end of employer-based health insurance?

With the September release of its new Apple Watch and Apple HealthKit app, the tech giant is literally putting health care in the hands of the consumer. Health technology consultant Joe Markland shared what this could mean for employer-based health care management. Read it here.

3) What kinds of HRAs are permitted post-ACA?

While the rules are clear that employers cannot reimburse employees for coverage purchased on the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges, broker David C. Smith explored questions about post-ACA reimbursement arrangements, particularly HRAs. Read it here.

4) Observation status: The Medicare monster in the ACA  

Have you heard of Medicare observation status? Columnist Craig J. Davidson said it is creating a payment nightmare for older plan participants with Medicare Part A as the primary payer. Educate your groups with Medicare beneficiaries, Davidson said, because the rule has real consequences. Read it here.

5) 6 steps to becoming a more effective salesperson

To be a salesperson today isn’t easy — in fact, it’s difficult. Sales expert John Graham shared how the strength of knowledge shifts to weakness when an adviser blindly approaches solutions from their perspective. Read it here.

6) CBO says ACA kills jobs — are you surprised?

Were you waiting for the other shoe to drop with the Affordable Care Act? It did in February with the announcement by the Congressional Budget Office providing an estimate on the effect of the ACA on jobs. The hullabaloo about employers cutting the long-held standard 40-hour workweek to beat costs of the ACA has now hit the fan, said columnist Craig J. Davidson. Read it here.

7) 6 tips to close the sale

Because selling is a tough job, it’s often necessary to do things differently to close sales. Columnist John Graham shared six ways to go about it. Read it here.

8) 3 ways to kill voluntary sales

Columnist Nelson Griswold detailed what the voluntary sales space is doing wrong and how to fix it. Read it here.

9) Voluntary benefits and unintended consequences of the ACA

The average working American is part of a financially fragile workforce and many are reacting to higher health insurance contributions that could spell long-term trouble, said EBA columnist and voluntary specialist Tinker Kelly. Read it here.

10) A 'cynical' look at private exchanges

Are private exchanges just a flex benefits reboot? Lockton’s Mike Smith shared what he thinks will affect their success and adoption. Read it here.