June 2016

Specialty Drugs
Protection Money
Three billion dollars in protection money buys “obscene profits” on specialty drugs for Big Pharma. Now it’s killing your clients’ businesses.
First Pot. Now This?
ColoradoCare? Colorado Can’t!
Colorado’s single-payer ballot initiative could eliminate group benefits in the state. Supporters see it as the first domino to fall.
Handicapping Healthcare Reform
Brokers Out of the Money
The Obamacare Stakes is off to a slow start. A longer course and the likely winner could leave employer-sponsored healthcare plans in the dust.
Future Shock
Savings Bond
Workers’ failure to adequately fund their retirement means brokers can teach their clients how to help their employees help themselves.
Close-Up
Earth Wind Map
Tech Briefing
Hypnotic, Informative Art
Storm Tracker
Q&A Dr. Louis Wicker
Getting ahead of tornadoes
Member Q&A
Dan Gowen
Senior Vice President, National Practice Leader, Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Chicago
From the President & CEO
Ode to the Underdogs
The world of employee benefits is bypassing its own funeral procession and digging in to the serious issues that will change—not extinguish—our industry.
Mutual Fund Excessive Advisory Fees
Heading to Trial
Mutual fund excessive advisory fee lawsuits are gaining steam, increasing the potential for expanded board and investment advisor liability.
The NAIC
Groundhog Day
The NAIC has a history of moving with all due sluggishness. But when it comes to cyber security, picking up speed could be harmful.
M&A
Poll the Audience
Key takeaways from conversations with independent agency buyers and sellers
Asking the Right Questions
What Was the Question?
Do you fail to ask questions when you should? Or do you fail to ask the right ones?
Mobile Computing
Localized Mobility
Our reliance on outmoded ways of thinking about mobility is wasting its transformational benefits.
Healthcare Consolidation
The Choice Cascade
A hospital strategist discusses health systems, health plans and whether the two shall meet.