The right approach can help small-business owners avoid common pitfalls such as cash-flow problems or the loss of key information when an employee leaves. Here's a look at how to tackle these and other business challenges.

A survey from Capital One found that many employees with access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan don't participate because they believe they don't make enough to contribute. However, educating individuals about tax benefits and fees could help encourage participation, says Stuart Robertson of Capital One Advisors.

A study in Medical Care found that the cost of delivering Medicare diabetes prevention services to a safety-net population may substantially exceed reimbursements. Researchers examined costs and projected reimbursements for MDPP services delivered to 213 primarily minority, low-income Medicare recipients in Denver, and they found that the average expected reimbursement under CMS' coverage rules was around $139 per patient, $661 less than the cost.

Providers at the AHIP conference outlined concerns about state proposals to allow people who do not qualify for Medicaid to buy into the program. Issues with buy-in programs included the potential for shifting costs to the commercial insurance market and the impact on state budgets and Medicaid physician networks.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has pushed back its update on wellness program regulations from January 2019 until next June, according to its regulatory agenda released this week. Rules on wellness incentives will be vacated in January under a federal court order in a case brought by AARP.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Senate Republicans are not satisfied with how the Affordable Care Act is performing and may attempt again to repeal the law, but the feasibility depends on the results of next month's midterm election. "If we had the votes to completely start over, we'd do it. But that depends on what happens in a couple weeks," McConnell said.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., is among those who signed a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar and CMS Administrator Seema Verma asking them to consider adding coverage of medically necessary dental treatment and oral health care to Medicare.

President Donald Trump is asking his Cabinet to develop a plan to cut 5% from the budget of each agency. The order follows a Treasury Department report showing a 17% increase in the annual federal budget deficit, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., blamed on unwillingness to contain spending in programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Health insurance terms still confuse most Americans. The online resource MyHealthPlan.guide offers consumers a glossary of common words and phrases, helpful tips and checklists to help them get the most out of their health insurance benefits. Learn more.

What do you need to know about health insurance now? How can you stay on top of the need-to-knows while managing your day-to-days? Look to AHIP for insights and guidance. AHIP conferences deliver the engaging speakers, timely topics, and meaningful networking opportunities you need. See upcoming events and register today.