What EPL Opportunities are Expected in 2015?

What EPL Opportunities are Expected in 2015?

This past year has seen many changes in the healthcare landscape, especially with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) taking full effect this year. With these changes has come questions and apprehensive from individuals as well as businesses. What employers want to know more than anything, is how do these changes affect their employment practices liability, and what liabilities can they expect to run into in the coming year?

One of the biggest trends seen nationwide with the implementation of the ACA is the surge of employee wellness programs. In 2015, employers are expected to boost their investments in these programs to help employees adopt healthier lifestyles. While this will help those employers encourage healthy behavior in the workplace while staying compliant with the ACA, wellness programs also increase risks; employers have to be careful that the provisions of their program are not too restrictive or discriminating against employees who may have underlying health issues or private health matters protected by HIPPA.

Employers in 2015 will also increase their offering of health care cost transparency tools, as well as other methods of assisting employees in navigating the health care system. In fact, the movement we’ve seen toward consumer-directed health plans and health care consumerism in general is expected to grow throughout the year. Some companies are even expected to be taking a closer look at contracting with providers directly, in addition to accountable care organizations, medical homes, and provider networks where health care providers will be accountable for employee health outcomes.

These are just a few of the employment practices trends related to healthcare that employers can expect in 2015. Experts also foresee increased scrutiny of private exchanges, direct contracting, and spousal surcharges for health coverage. At PL Risk Advisors, we understand the implications that big changes can cause for your clients. We also understand that whether you’re head of a large corporation or a small business owner, Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) should be party of your comprehensive insurance program. Please contact us today at (855) 403-5982 to learn more about our EPLI policies and other products.