The latest news from the benefits and retirement industry

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Retiree Health | Retirement

OPEB and Pension updates for public agencies in California

Major developments around fiscal year returns, inflation, and CalPERS reporting could affect public agencies in California over the coming years.

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Communications | Health Benefits

Wellness program not performing? Try a strategic communications boost

Before replacing a wellness program or vendor, you might want to check your communications. Even the best programs can face low engagement when there is poor or confusing outreach or issues accessing services.

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Retiree Health | Company News

Welcome to Doug Pryor, Consulting Actuary – Public Plans

We are excited to welcome Doug Pryor, ASA, EA, MAAA, to our Retiree Health team to head up our work for public plans.

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PBM Consulting | Health Benefits

Rethinking drug rebates

Drug rebates are meant to lower costs, but limited transparency and misaligned incentives raise questions. Learn how employers can evaluate PBM practices and ensure their plan delivers real value and long-term savings.

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Health Benefits

Psychedelics and mental health

Interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy is rising, but coverage in multiemployer plans remains rare. Learn how sponsors can evaluate this evolving space—and why communication is key to improving access, safety, and awareness.

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Health Benefits

Getting a grip on excessive healthcare spending

Research shows that health care utilization—not just high prices—is the main driver of spending variation across U.S. counties. Learn how plan sponsors can address both cost and volume to improve value, and why local patterns matter more than ever.

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Retirement

How and when to make benefit improvements

Favorable investment returns for a DB pension plan can be an opportunity for benefit improvements. There are many factors to consider when determining the level of spending for improvements, where to direct improvements, and when to implement them.

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Communications

Tackling the mental health crisis in the trades

Workers in construction and the trades are facing a mental health crisis. Learn how proactive communications can help multiemployer trusts make a real impact for members.

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Company News

Mike Kaplan retires after 23 years at Rael & Letson

Rael & Letson recently celebrated the retirement of longtime Consulting Actuary Mike Kaplan, FSA, EA, MAAA, honoring his 62-year career and lasting impact on the firm and the industry. Congratulations, Mike!

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Retirement

De-risking opportunities for multiemployer pension plans

In today’s volatile investment market, Trustees overseeing mature multiemployer DB plans may want to consider different strategies, such as annuity purchases and cashflow matching, to help reduce their financial risk.

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