“We weren’t seeing enough innovation.” The group now vets some of these companies for employers, including Comcast. The corporation, of course, is controlling costs and offering these unusual benefits out of self-interest. But much of what sets Comcast apart is its willingness to directly tackle its medical costs rather than relying on others — insurers, consultants or associations. “You attack this thing from different angles,” said Beth Umland, Mercer’s director of research for health and benefits. “Walmart isn’t going to stand for this,” said Marcus Osborne, a benefits executive, at a health business conference.

Source: New York Times August 31, 2018 13:30 UTC