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The smallest construction firms account for more than half of all construction fatalities, despite only accounting for 36% of the industry's payroll workforce, according to a new study.

The study found that establishments with one to 10 employees experienced nonfatal injury rates twice as high as firms with 1,000 or more employees. What's going on and what can small firms do about it?

Workers are increasingly turning to direct-to-consumer online drug platforms like Amazon Pharmacy, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and the government-backed TrumpRx to buy prescription medications at prices sometimes far lower than what they would pay through their employer-sponsored health plans.

But in many cases, the money they spend on those drugs does not count toward their health plan deductible or annual out-of-pocket maximum. A new bill in Congress aims to change that.

As demand grows for employer-sponsored behavioral health programs, new research suggests that well-designed mental health programs can generate measurable financial returns for businesses while improving employee well-being.

Behavioral health services can deliver a projected return on investment of more than 500%, with employers seeing about $6.07 returned for every $1 spent, according to a new report. The cost returns from behavioral health services are derived from reduced absenteeism and presenteeism, improved productivity and reduced medical spending.

Health insurers are reporting progress on their voluntary effort to streamline prior authorization. They say they are on track to standardize the process for submitting prior authorization requests for coverage for many common procedures by Jan. 1, 2027.

The push, led by America's Health Insurance Plans and supported by major carriers, aims to standardize how prior authorization requests are submitted and reviewed across commercial plans, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid-managed care. Currently, prior authorization rules are inconsistent, even within a single insurer's operations, which negatively affects patients, saddling them with unneeded stress and the possibility of worse health problems down the road.

Here's what's changing.

For many workers, retirement marks the first time they must make complex health coverage decisions on their own. After years of relying on employer-sponsored insurance, the transition to Medicare can feel abrupt and confusing, often leaving employees unsure of what to do next.

Employers that step in to guide workers through this transition can improve retirement outcomes, reduce benefit costs and strengthen employee trust. When older employees understand their Medicare options, they are more likely to retire on time, avoid costly mistakes and feel supported by their employer.

Health insurers are reporting progress on their voluntary effort to streamline prior authorization. They say they are on track to standardize the process for submitting prior authorization requests for coverage for many common procedures by Jan. 1, 2027.

The push, led by America's Health Insurance Plans and supported by major carriers, aims to standardize how prior authorization requests are submitted and reviewed across commercial plans, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid-managed care. Insurers say the goal is to reduce paperwork, speed decisions and improve consistency, though many of the commitments remain voluntary and vary by carrier. How will your employees benefit?

Imagine two friends, Viktoria and Jon, who both want to save for the future. Viktoria starts saving $50 a month at age 20, while Jon waits until he's 30 but saves $100 a month. Even though Viktoria started earlier, Jon puts in twice as much each month.

Who ends up with more money by the time they turn 60?

Nearly half of Americans say they feel financially prepared for retirement, but a closer look shows a wide gap between confidence and reality — particularly among younger workers.

Empower's latest "Retirement Readiness Snapshot," found that most respondents are unsure how they will fund their later years. The findings highlight a mix of cautious optimism and lingering concern about inflation, health care costs and long-term savings.

The Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement worked with Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies to release a survey about retirement outlooks for self-employed individuals. Their study base spanned 15 countries including the United States. Over the years, self-employment has been a term linked mostly to professionals, some trade workers and entrepreneurs. With so many advances in technology, many people are self-employed today with their own websites, online businesses and independent gigs.

Three Southern California residents have been sentenced to 180 days in jail after pulling off what may be one of the most unusual schemes in recent memory: staging bear attacks on luxury cars — with a human in a bear suit doing the dirty work. 

The trio clawed their way to more than $141,000 in insurance payouts by filing claims that a wild bear had broken into a 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost in Lake Arrowhead and scratched up the interior. Not content with just one successful scheme, they filed additional claims involving two Mercedes-Benz vehicles, all allegedly mauled by the same very busy "bear."

California lawmakers are advancing a package of wildfire-focused legislation aimed at helping homeowners better protect their properties while stabilizing a strained homeowner's insurance market. The effort follows years of destructive fires and insurer pullbacks that have left many residents struggling to find or afford coverage.

Three key bills are designed to give homeowners more tools, clearer guidance and, ultimately, better access to insurance.

It's normal for our mood and energy levels to fluctuate every now and then. However, it can affect our daily routine, including how we normally function in our everyday lives.

While we can't always control what triggers our stress and mood changes, there are certain steps you can take to controlling them without having to resort to alcohol or other vices. Here's how you can boost your mood and mindset naturally.