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How do health plans handle same-sex marriages?

Several states have legalized or plan to recognize same-sex marriages, yet federal and many state laws won't extend legal rights to these unions. This Update looks at what this conflict means for employer health plans offering spousal benefits. (Update, 23 Jul 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

Plan for next year's open season

Summer is the perfect time to review strategies and plan a successful open enrollment season for the upcoming plan year. This Update provides tips on meeting legal requirements and the needs of participants and sponsors alike. (Update, 26 Jun 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

Genetic bias law affects employers, health plans

New restrictions apply to genetic information used for employment or health benefits under a law signed May 21. This Update highlights key terms effective for health plan years starting on or after May 21, 2009, and for employers on Nov. 21, 2009. (Update, 11 Jun 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

Institutional plans post negative Q1 returns

The median corporate, public and foundation/endowment plan has seen negative 2008 returns, Mercer's latest survey of plan performance finds. Quarterly losses ranged from 5.0 percent for foundation/endowment funds to 5.5 percent for corporate plans. (Update, 28 May 2008, 7 pages) More | Article

Design tips for consumer-directed health plans

Consumer-directed health plans can help employers rein in benefit spending and teach employees to be better health care consumers. A recent Mercer survey identified key design elements that are powerful predictors of plan success. (Update, 23 May 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

DOL clarifies 401(k) default investment rules

Recent guidance on qualified default investment alternatives (QDIAs) for participant-directed retirement plans answers some questions about last year's final rules. This Update highlights key clarifications made by the new QDIA guidance. (Update, 21 May 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

All equity markets post losses for Q1 2008

All equity markets started 2008 with first-quarter losses, Mercer's Defined Contribution Universe Summary reports. Losses varied from 9.4 percent for the S&P 500 to 4.9 percent for the balanced asset class, but the fixed-income class saw a gain. (Update, 13 May 2008, 5 pages) More | Article

DOD rules limit opt-out incentives in health plans

Proposed DOD rules clarify some aspects of the ban on offering TRICARE-eligible employees incentives to drop employer-sponsored health coverage, but other details remain unclear. This Update summarizes what is and isn't covered in the proposed rules. (Update, 6 May 2008, 3 pages) More | Article

2008 US executive compensation preview

Linking executive pay to sound strategic, financial and operational goals has grown even more difficult in today's volatile economy. To learn what executive compensation trends are emerging in the 2008 proxy season, join Mercer's May 15 web briefing. (Update, 1 May 2008, 1 page) More | Article

Coordinating employer plans and Medicare

Employers with health plan participants also covered by Medicare must follow complex rules that determine which plan pays first. This Update provides an overview of the rules and highlights some of the prohibitions placed on employers. (Update, 24 Apr 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

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What are Updates?

Updates are summaries and brief analyses of business-line specific news and developments. Mercer's Retirement, H&B, and Human Capital Businesses -- along with the WRG -- publish Updates as developments warrant, typically 2-3 times a month.

Tools from Mercer Select

Toolkits developed by Mercer experts are available to help you deal with particularly complex HR areas: HIPAA security and FLSA.