Many years ago, I studied human resources (then called industrial relations) at the University of Minnesota.
From that and years in the employee benefits profession, I have a strong understanding of the complex decision process for an employer when developing a benefits plan – especially a larger employer with a diverse employee population. While I do not spend an excessive amount of time appreciating the benefits offered by my own employers, I appreciate having options for medical, dental and other insurance coverages. One size does not fit all when it comes to employee benefits.
Since leaving the realm of pure health insurance and entering the world of voluntary benefits, as well as studying healthcare reform, I have seen a broad range of perceptions about the value of medical benefits, voluntary benefits, and the expected implications of healthcare reform on both. While my crystal ball is murky when it comes to figuring out what the Supreme Court is going to decide about the constitutionality of the individual mandate, I believe employees appreciate their employer-sponsored benefits more now than before.
