Pick Up, HR, Your CFO Is Calling

Those of us in HR and benefits have probably heard the word “exchange” a million times since the original discussion of health care reform began more than two years ago. But what has been primarily a concern of HR and benefits teams is now likely on the radar of your CFO. A recent article in CFO magazine perhaps summarized it best: “Employee health benefits may not be a favorite topic for CFOs. Historically, they preferred leaving human-resources stuff to HR folks.” But as health-related costs soar, financial chiefs have taken a vested interest in healthcare benefit decisions.

Perhaps you’ve already had discussions with your CFO about your benefits and exchange strategy. If not, you may point them in the direction of another CFO article that identifies a few of the positives of private exchanges (including defined contribution and choice) as well as some of the early large-employer adopters. After all, a little education may go a long way for decisions that have such a global impact on your organization.