New consortium establishes ethical, inclusive standards for employee benefits, addressing disparities in healthcare and retirement savings.
CHICAGO - November 18, 2024: Today, Nelu Diversified Solutions (Nelu) in partnership with the Healthcare Benefits Alliance (HBA), an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health (PBGH), is proud to announce the launch of the Ethical Benefits Consortium (EBC). This initiative aims to provide a roadmap for organizations to implement sustainable, inclusive, and accessible benefits programs, tackling long-standing disparities in health and retirement savings.
Mike Stancil, founder of HBA and CEO of PBGH, emphasizes the ethical challenges facing employers in delivering health and related benefits. “The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 requires employers to ensure benefits are both ethical and equitable,” Stancil noted. “EBC assists employers in meeting these standards, particularly self-insured plan sponsors, by balancing cost management with fairness and offering employees a path to enhanced health and quality of life.”
Uche Enemchukwu, CEO of Nelu, highlighted the Consortium's holistic approach to benefits in a competitive market landscape. “While regulatory requirements have largely shaped health and retirement plans, recent events and reforms necessitate focusing on the entire individual. This human-centered strategy not only meets ethical standards but positions organizations for a competitive edge,” said Enemchukwu.
EBC is built upon five core principles:
Ethical Design
Respect for Individual Needs
Integrated Support
Ethical Sourcing
Sustainability
These guiding principles are set to reshape benefits by integrating resources, expert guidance, and certification, helping organizations create inclusive programs that address the full spectrum of employee needs, including physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. “We are particularly focused on understanding emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), which present both opportunities and responsibilities in benefits engagement,” said Enemchukwu. “By harnessing ethical AI, we can better support each individual's unique needs while ensuring that automated decisions align with human-centered values.”
As a membership-driven initiative, EBC welcomes organizations dedicated to advancing benefits standards. For more information on joining the Consortium and creating impactful change, visit ethicalbenefits.org.
About Nelu Diversified Solutions
Nelu Diversified Solutions (Nelu) is an industry leader in employee benefits consulting and education. Known for its innovative approach and recognized by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Nelu strives to make benefits accessible, offering solutions in both the U.S. and Europe.
About Healthcare Benefits Alliance
Healthcare Benefits Alliance (HBA) is a cooperative of employer coalitions united to influence policy and ensure quality healthcare outcomes at reduced costs. HBA leads with ethical principles, prioritizing human well-being to redefine organizational success in benefits offerings.
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