AHIP Health@Work SmartBrief
Behavioral health patients may face access barriers | US needs 5.3M more workers with college education by 2032 | Millennials step into C-suite as boomers retire
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September 17, 2025
 
 
AHIP Wellness SmartBrief
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Top Story
 
Behavioral health patients may face access barriers
People dealing with mental health conditions are twice as likely to struggle to access care, according to a survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The survey found that 31% of respondents with mental health needs had been unable to obtain necessary care in the previous six months, compared with 15% of those without mental health conditions.
Full Story: Axios (9/15)
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Benefits Programs & Trends
 
US needs 5.3M more workers with college education by 2032
 
Group of coo-workers relaxing with drinks after conference event, using laptop, smiling and cheerful
(10'000 Hours/Getty Images)
The US will face a shortfall of 5.3 million workers with postsecondary education by 2032, primarily in fields such as nursing, teaching and engineering, according to a report from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. The report highlights the need for colleges to adapt to demographic shifts and for increased investment in education and training to address this gap, and suggests that expanding visa programs could help mitigate the shortage of skilled workers.
Full Story: Higher Ed Dive (9/16)
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Millennials step into C-suite as boomers retire
As baby boomers retire, millennials are increasingly moving into C-suite roles, raising questions about their readiness for executive leadership. Companies are urged to modernize succession planning by spotting leadership potential earlier, designing stretch assignments, and normalizing succession as a business continuity strategy. Millennials are advised to proactively build executive readiness by taking on high-risk initiatives, seeking cross-generational mentorship, and investing in structured learning.
Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (9/13)
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Bill aims to connect workers with unclaimed retirement benefits
Reps. Seth Magaziner and Ron Estes have introduced the Unclaimed Retirement Rescue Act, which aims to help workers recover unclaimed retirement benefits. The legislation would allow retirement plan administrators to transfer unclaimed distributions to state unclaimed property programs and would call for states to update the Labor Department's Retirement Savings Lost and Found database.
Full Story: 401(k) Specialist (9/16)
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Best Business Practices
 
Beware of the latest scam: Bad reviews
 
Man working online at home on his laptop computer.
(Maria Korneeva/Getty Images)
Small businesses, many of which rely on positive online reviews as a business driver, are finding themselves victims of fraudsters posting fake negative reviews. Not only do these reviews decrease a business's Google rating, but many scammers also ask for money to remove them, putting business owners in a financially risky position.
Full Story: The Seattle Times (tiered subscription model) (9/15), The New York Times (9/11)
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Products and Market Trends
 
Families face tough decisions if ACA subsidies expire
The slated expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies at the end of the year may have a big effect on millions of families facing significant increases in premiums. Some may shift to high-deductible plans that offer lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, and others may have to choose between maintaining their health coverage and cutting essential household expenses. There is support among Democrats and some Republicans for extending the subsidies, but it's not clear whether it will be included in upcoming legislation.
Full Story: The Associated Press (9/13), NBC News (9/13)
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Avoiding common pitfalls when naming beneficiaries
Naming beneficiaries is a crucial and sometimes overlooked part of estate planning, helping ensure that assets are distributed without going through probate. Financial advisors emphasize the importance of regularly updating designations, especially after major life events, and recommend avoiding common pitfalls such as failing to name contingent beneficiaries.
Full Story: Kiplinger (9/16)
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Health News & Research
 
Health care leaders urged to address workplace violence
Workplace violence is a growing concern in health care, with thousands of staff members experiencing serious injuries each year, according to the American Hospital Association. Experts emphasize the need for leadership to prioritize violence prevention as a strategic goal, suggesting a multi-pronged approach that includes environmental modifications, regular staff training, clear safety policies and real-time communication tools.
Full Story: MedCity News (9/15)
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Whole-Person Health
 
No one-size-fits-all schedule for healthy eating
Nutrition experts say there is no one-size-fits-all approach to optimal meal timing and frequency, but they recommend eating when hungry and ensuring meals are balanced, with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Registered dietitian Marisa Moore recommends eating most food earlier in the day and avoiding large meals close to bedtime to aid digestion and sleep quality, while RD Jamie Nadeau notes that intermittent fasting is not necessarily more effective than traditional diet and lifestyle changes for weight management.
Full Story: USA Today (9/14)
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Autoimmune disease tied to mental health disorder risk
Patients who have autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammation face double the risk of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder compared with the general population, a study in BMJ Mental Health found. The research, based on data from more than 1.5 million participants in the UK, highlights the need for regular mental health screenings and tailored therapies.
Full Story: Healio (free registration) (9/15)
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