Benefits

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Just Released: Boomers Magic.com... Making you Healthy, Wealthy and Wise
Just Released: Boomers Magic.com... making you Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. Developed to provide useful, helpful and informative topics, options and tools to encompass the websites theme of Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. The basic idea arose with a combination of life's events from the loss of employment due to the economic crisis in the credit, real estate and financial fields where we had been successful since 1980, the Big C (prostrate cancer) and all the way back to the Vietnam war with losing an eye during combat.

Corporate Counseling Associates Uses Expertise in Human Behavior
Corporate Counseling Associates Uses Expertise in Human Behavior to Help Companies Enhance Their Sustainability New partnership helps HR consulting firm add environmental focus to its longtime social and economic work with clients

Unum Expands "Simply Unum" Offering to 41 States
Benefits solution addresses needs of small to midsize employers

Georgia Pay Increase Budgets Remain the Same in 2008
The newly released Compensation Data – Georgia annual survey of 149 companies found pay increase budgets are 3.59 percent for 2008 and are projected to be 3.56 percent in 2009. These numbers have changed little from 2007 when they were 3.64 percent. Over the last three years, there has been no statistically significant difference in reported pay increase budgets for the state.

Self-Care is an Opportunity to Create Stronger Leadership, More Energy and Work/Life Balance
Often executive coaching clients are not aware that self-care is an opportunity to create more energy, work/life balance and stronger leadership. The fact of the matter is, self-care is an opportunity. How can effective leaders make their most powerful choices and decisions from a place of exhaustion and depletion? How can they show up authentically and powerfully from a place of surviving vs. thriving?

Vacation Time Valued Despite High Cost of Travel
With gas prices on the rise, many have speculated about the number of trips U.S. employees will take this summer. Despite these concerns, time off packages continue to be a valuable asset when attracting and retaining employees.

Missouri Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most Missouri organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008 - Missouri annual survey of 336 employers. The newly released results reported the average premium increase was 7.5 percent for all plan types.

GetEducated.com Survey Ranks Best Consumer Buys in Online College Degrees Healthcare and Nursing
Thinking of launching or accelerating your nursing or healthcare career by earning an online college degree? Want to save a few thousand dollars and earn your masters degree at a top ranked university? Check out GetEducated.com's new comparative ratings and rankings of accredited online universities Top Ranked Consumer Best Buys in Online Healthcare and Nursing College Degrees. According to the online educatiom experts an accredited distance masters in healthcare can cost as little as $7,560 (University of Florida for Florida residents seeking a Masters in Health Occupational Therapy) or as much as $52,000 (George Washington University - Healthcare MBA). The average cost of a distance masters degree in healthcare or nursing is just under $21, 000 according to GetEducated.com's survey; however cost can easily skyrocket to over $50,000 if consumers fail to take the time to compare online university options.

Direct link shown between assessment of job candidates and key performance indicators
PreVisor's 2008 Business Outcomes Study Once Again Shows Impact of Effective Talent Measurement

New survey reveals how much employers spend on incentives for health management programs
Survey of NAM, ERIC employers also explores ROI, behaviors earning incentives and commonly used program evaluation measures

Brookdale Senior Living Receives 2008 Best of the Best Award
Assisted Living Federation of America national award recognizes innovative business practices

URAC releases standards and measures for wellness programs for public comment
Public comments for new accreditation programs due Aug. 7

Companies Continue Move Toward Selective Outsourcing Approach, Watson Wyatt
Employers continue to take a selective approach to outsourcing their HR technology and functions rather than relying exclusively on a single provider, according to Watson Wyatt, a leading global consulting firm.

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in Illinois
The cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the 2008 Compensation Data – Illinois survey reported nearly all Illinois employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan.

CORT is Nation's Largest Touring Service Provider
Apartment Communities Reap Benefits of CORT’s Relationships with Corporate America to Bring Relocating Employees to Their Doors

Minnesota and Wisconsin Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most Minnesota and Wisconsin organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008 - Minnesota/Wisconsin annual survey of 147 employers. The newly released results reported the average premium increase was 7.6 percent for all plan types.

Workscape Names John Miele Vice President of Service Operations
Escalating Demand for Workscape’s Outsourced Benefits Administration Offerings Drives Further Expansion of Executive Team-

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in United States
The preliminary Compensation Data 2008 survey results found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.

SurePayroll Named to Chicago's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For
National Association for Business Resources honors SurePayroll as a great place to work.

Company's Cost Rating Exposes Fair Price for Services for Over 2 Million Healthcare Providers
Upstart healthcare technology company change:healthcare today re-launched its consumer cost ratings tool - called a Medstimate rating - which profiles the amount that healthcare providers nationwide accept as negotiated prices for their services, yanking the covers off the medical world and exposing fair pricing for consumer-driven healthcare (CDHC) in the process.

Zywave, announced today that it has partnered with LifeStrive Wellness Consultants, LLC
Zywave, a leading technology provider of products and services for insurance brokers, announced today that it has partnered with LifeStrive Wellness Consultants, LLC, a Phoenix, AZ-based health risk assessment and disease management program.

Disaboom Offers Jobs to Social Network Community Members
Premiere Online Community for people living with or touched by disability employs Disaboom Community Members in newly launched sales force. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 67 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed, making them the largest unemployed population in America. To create employment opportunities for this population, Disaboom, the largest online community designed for people touched by disabilities, has taken a unique step by hiring its own online community members.

Moving Services Company Teams Up With Luxury Real Estate Market
Simple Living, Inc. partners with luxury rental and condominium properties to deliver luxury moving services to busy professionals

Genuity Group Introduces EquivaMeds®
Revolutionary Consumer Advocacy Service will Help Give Americans Relief from High Prescription Drug Costs

Illinois Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most Illinois organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008

Workscape Names John Miele Vice President of Service Operations
Escalating Demand for Workscape’s Outsourced Benefits Administration Offerings Drives Further Expansion of Executive Team

Pensions Outperformed 401(k) Plans During Last Bull Market, Watson Wyatt
Rates of return for defined benefit (DB) pension plans outpaced those for employee-directed 401(k) plans during the most recent bull market from 2003 to 2006, according to an analysis by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting firm.

MassMutual Promotes Bob Casale to Senior Vice President
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today that Bob Casale, deputy chief information officer, has been promoted to senior vice president.

Zywave, announced today that it has partnered with LifeStrive Wellness Consultants
Zywave, a leading technology provider of products and services for insurance brokers, announced today that it has partnered with LifeStrive Wellness Consultants, LLC, a Phoenix, AZ-based health risk assessment and disease management program.

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in Indiana
The cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the 2008 Compensation Data – Indiana survey reported nearly all Indiana employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan. The survey also found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in Michigan
The cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer.

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in United States
The cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the preliminary Compensation Data 2008 survey results reported nearly all U.S. employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan. The survey also found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.

Prescription Solutions Earns Top Honors in 2008 WilsonRx Pharmacy Satisfaction Surveys


HealthCareSource HR hires Peter Segall as CEO
Positions itself for continued growth and market leadership.

Emportal HRMS Becomes First Commercially Available HR SaaS Solution to Leverage Power of Microsoft
Popular Ribbon User Interface Engages Users, Reduces Training Requirements and Fast-Tracks Return on Investment

Ohio Healthcare Providers Alleviate Prescription Costs By Taking the Problem In-House
The cost of prescription co-pays continues to rise across the country, particularly for non-formulary and formulary drugs.

Kentucky Healthcare Providers Alleviate Prescription Costs By Taking the Problem In-House
The cost of prescription co-pays continues to rise across the country, particularly for non-formulary and formulary drugs. The 2008 Healthcare eSurvey – Kentucky found healthcare employees are faced with similar costs to those found in other industries. However, access to in-house pharmacies can alleviate rising prescription costs for these employees.

Ohio Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most Ohio organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008 - Ohio annual survey of 375 employers. The newly released results reported the average premium increase was 7.5 percent for all plan types.

Iowa and Nebraska Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most Iowa and Nebraska organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008 - Iowa/Nebraska annual survey of 318 employers. The newly released results reported the average premium increase was 6.2 percent for all plan types.

MassMutual Announces Web Site Enhancement That Helps Employees Save for Retirement Sooner
Participants can now enroll automatically through ExpressEnroll(SM), MassMutual's new online tool

Social Workers and Human Resource Managers in High Demand as Weak Economy Hits Home for Many
Findings of Report, Jobfox Most Wanted U.S. Job Candidates: June 2008

RECESSION WOES PUT VACATION DAYS IN THE RED
Increasing workloads and threats of a recession have Americans feeling stressed and in desperate need of some time off. However, results from Yahoo! HotJobs¹ latest survey indicate that rest and relaxation are the first workplace casualties of rough economic times this summer. In fact, 51 percent of respondents to Yahoo! HotJobs¹ second annual summer vacation survey report they are planning to forgo their vacation this year and save money instead.

Prescription Solutions Earns Top Honors in 2008 WilsonRx® Pharmacy Satisfaction Surveys
Prescription Solutions named #1 National PBM in Overall Member Satisfaction and #1 National Mail Order Pharmacy Two Years Running

Workscape and ConnectYourCare Forge Alliance to Create Integrated Consumer-Directed Healthcare
Workscape and ConnectYourCare Forge Alliance to Create Integrated Consumer-Directed Healthcare Benefits Platform for Large Employers Proven, Best-in-Class Providers Deliver Payor Neutral Comprehensive Solution

The Benefits of Balance: Combating Stress in the Workplace
The stress that employees face in their personal lives is only just a part of their struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance. When everyday workplace stress is added to the equation, this balance can seem unattainable, and productivity suffers. As an employer, there IS something you can do to help your employees take control of their daily stress management while protecting your organization from the high costs related to lost productivity, absenteeism and turnover, and even increased health care costs.

Michigan Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most Michigan organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008 - Michigan annual survey of 276 employers. The newly released results reported the average premium increase was 7.8 percent for all plan types.

Indiana Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most Indiana organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008 - Indiana annual survey of 404 employers. The newly released results reported the average premium increase was 7 percent for all plan types.

Best Practice Webinar on Sales Compensation for SaaS Companies
Sales Compensation Expert to Show How SaaS Companies Can Easily Build Best Practice SaaS Sales Comp Plans with Makana Motivator[SM]

Michigan Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most Michigan organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008 - Michigan annual survey of 276 employers. The newly released results reported the average premium increase was 7.8 percent for all plan types.

Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008
Although most U.S. organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the preliminary results for the Compensation Data 2008 annual survey. The results showed the average premium increase was 7.2 percent for all plan types this year.

Michelle McFadden Joins Buck Consultants as Director
Michelle McFadden has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Secaucus, NJ office.

Publicis Healthcare Rxecruiting Selected to Recruit for Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
Publicis Healthcare Rxecruiting, a premier recruiter for the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and healthcare industries, has been selected to recruit diagnostic representatives for Bracco Diagnostics Inc. Publicis Healthcare Rx ecruiting is a Publicis Healthcare Communications Group company.

Iowa and Nebraska Pay Increase Budgets Remain the Same in 2008
The newly released Compensation Data – Iowa/Nebraska annual survey of 318 companies found pay increase budgets are 3.66 percent for 2008 and are projected to be 3.60 percent in 2009.

MassMutual Clients Express High Satisfaction with Plan Installation Process
According to both retirement plan clients and advisors, the Retirement Services Division of MassMutual Financial Group continues to meet or exceed their expectations throughout the plan installation process. The data is derived from MassMutual's recently completed new client implementation

Michael Lawson Joins Buck Consultants as Director
Michael Lawson has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Dallas office.

HighRoads Launches Full-Service Summary Plan Description (SPD) Management for HR Compliance
Seasoned Advisors and Process Automation Ensures Employees Have Tools to Make Informed Benefit Choices

David Hudecek Joins Buck Consultants as Director
David Hudecek has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Washington, DC office.

Pay Increase Budgets Remain Steady in 2008
View As Web Page Current pay increase budgets were reported at 3.60 percent for 2008 and are projected to be 3.62 percent in 2009.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TAKE AIM AT STRESS OF RISING PRICES
Stress management, financial counseling help ease employees’ concerns

A Better Way to Manage Employee Absence
Did you know that employers today spend 15% or more, on average, of total compensation on absence-related costs? It’s true. And the array of paid and unpaid time-off policies and programs you are saddled with have no small impact on your company’s bottom line. So what can you do to neutralize the effects of these absence-related factors? Join Watson Wyatt and Kronos – and learn the secrets to controlling costs associated with employee absence.

Nicole Giantonio Joins Buck Consultants as Senior Vice President
Nicole Giantonio has joined Buck Consultants as Senior Vice President of Sales. She is based in the firm's New York office.

Global Furniture Network and U.S. Rental Relocation Services Support International Assignments
Growing Short-Term Assignments of Mobile Workforce Driving Rental Needs

Integrating Gen Y New Hires Into Company and Community
Rental Relocation Services Ease Transition to Instill Loyalty from Day One

NBA’s Orlando Magic Selects CORT as Preferred Relocation Services Provider
Rental Relocation Services Help Magic Personnel Settle Into the Community

LifeCare® Offers McGruff® SafeGuard Service Free to Clients
LifeCare® Offers McGruff® SafeGuard Service Free to Clients; Helps Parents Intelligently Monitor Kids' Online Activity

MassMutual Completes Acquisition of First Mercantile Trust Company
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today it has completed its previously announced purchase of First Mercantile Trust Company from SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI).

PlanSource Expands Product Set with Acquisition of Enwisen’s Broker Communication Suite
Move allows seamless integration of administration and communication services for benefits brokers and service providers

ING Debuts Video on Web Highlighting Commitment to Environment
What: ING debuts a new video on the Web that answers the question: What if large companies took responsibility for environmental stewardship and made it part of their fundamental business strategy?

William White Joins Buck Consultants as Principal
William White has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in the firm's Compensation consulting practice.

DDI's Selection Services Awarded AHA Exclusive Endorsement
DDI’s CANDIDATE SELECTION SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS AWARDED THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION EXCLUSIVE ENDORSEMENT

Large Employers Slow Changes to Retirement Plans, Watson Wyatt Finds
More Than Half of FORTUNE 100 Continue to Offer Defined Benefit Plans

Anthony Rienzi has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in the firm's New York office
Rienzi has served in leadership, client management and consulting roles with several leading human resource and benefits consulting firms. His most recent position was with The Segal Company, where he was a Senior Vice President and Regional Health Practice Leader.

$1.2 Billion Dollars in Premiums Represented at Corporate Synergies
Corporate Synergies (CSG), a full-service independent benefits consultant and brokerage firm, recently hosted a two-city thought-leadership event for Human Resource and C-level executives. Managers from mid-level companies representing over $1.2 billion dollars in premiums descended upon suburban Philadelphia and New York City to learn how to weather rising healthcare costs and a potential recession.

Workplace Options Launches New Interactive Work-Life Online Resource
Advantage 2.0 Delivers Greater Flexibility, Enhanced Online Content to Employers

Senior Care Marketers Slow to Leave Old-Fashioned Tactics, Reveals New Research Report
Report covers the latest trends and best practices for marketing to the senior care industry in 2008

MassMutual Hosts 2-Day Conference in Support of Its TPA Alliance
MassMutual's Retirement Services Division hosted its 2008 TPA Conference at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., May 14 - 16.

Unum adds innovative benefit to support working parents
Company will contribute to 529 plan for new children of employees

Enwisen Sells Broker Suite to PlanSource
Enwisen Sells Broker Suite to PlanSource – Move Allows 100% Focus on Continuing Leadership in Workforce Communications Market

Buck Consultants Survey Finds Employee Confusion over Investment Options a Top Concern
Buck Consultants Survey Finds Employee Confusion over Investment Options a Top Concern for Defined Contribution Plan Sponsors in Canada

Sandra Runco Joins Buck Consultants as Director
Sandra Runco has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's New York office.

Premier Provider of Extended Product Service Plans to Standardize on Callidus Platform
The Warranty Group Selects Callidus Software On-Demand to Make Sure Its Sales Performance Gets Done Right

Quality Is Top Priority When Finding Eldercare
Quality Is Top Priority When Finding Eldercare; Special Needs Care Places Second, Affordability Third

"finding high-quality care" -- the top reply to a recent poll by LifeCare®, Inc.
Asked to cite their top priority when finding eldercare, 39 percent of those caring for older loved ones said it is "finding high-quality care" -- the top reply to a recent poll by LifeCare®, Inc., provider of comprehensive specialty care services and a longtime leader in the work/life industry. The next two most popular responses were "finding care that can handle my loved one's special needs" (26 percent) and "finding affordable care" (21 percent).

SILVERLINK AND INCENTONE PARTNER TO DELIVER INCENTIVES
SILVERLINK AND INCENTONE PARTNER TO DELIVER INCENTIVES AS A KEY COMPONENT FOR HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATIONSHealthcare Enterprises Can Now Leverage Personalized Communications and Incentive Management Expertise to Effectively Engage Healthcare Consumers

National Business Group on Health Honors Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles
52 Employers Recognized for Promoting Healthy Workplaces

WorldatWork Total Rewards 2008 Conference & Exhibition
WorldatWork Total Rewards 2008 Conference & Exhibition to Feature Presentation by Enwisen and The Midland Company

Fiserv Wins Gold Award as One of the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles
Wellness program singled out among the nation’s best by National Business Group

COLONIAL LIFE SPONSORS SHRM EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SURVEY
Colonial Life is the exclusive sponsor of the Society for Human Resource Management’s 2008 Employee Benefits Survey.

Buck Consultants Issues White Paper on Links Between Executive Compensation and Company Performance
Buck Consultants, an ACS company and one of the world’s leading human resource and benefits consulting firms, has published a white paper titled “Can Your Long-Term Incentive Plan Become More Performance Based Again?” The paper assesses the relative strength of the linkages between company performance and each type of equity when included in a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).

White paper, podcast by Hummingbird clarify engagement in health coaching programs
Engagement Key to Health Coaching Success, but Elusive Definitions Prevail, says Hummingbird Coaching Services

Kristin Patt Joins Buck Consultants as Director
Kristin Patt has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Minneapolis office.

Worldwide ERC® and Primacy Relocation Name 2008’s “Best Cities for Relocating Families™”
Worldwide ERC®, the association for workforce mobility, and Primacy Relocation® announced that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Omaha/Council Bluffs, Nebraska/Iowa; and Rockingham County/Stafford County, New Hampshire are 2008’s Best Cities for Relocating Families™ among large, medium and small U.S. metropolitan areas.

Salary.com™ Reports Moms in U.S. Would Earn $116,805 while Moms in Canada Would Earn $126,593
2008 Annual Valuation of Mom’s Job Shows Impact of Company Size on Mom’s Salary Calculation; Salary Calculation Expanded for Moms in Canada

HR Outsourcing Is Great, But Not Everywhere Companies Use It to Focus More on HR Strategy
The outsourcing of HR continues, but it is not the runaway train many predicted when the practice emerged about a decade ago, suggests a recent study by the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp).

Employees Without Access to Health Coverage Outside Work Are Far Less Likely to Retire
Retirement Plan Coverage is also a Factor, According to Watson Wyatt

Chuck Green Joins LifeCare® as Chief Marketing Officer
LifeCare®, Inc., provider of comprehensive specialty care services and a longtime leader in the work/life industry, announced today that Chuck Green has joined the organization as Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for its overall strategic marketing vision and for brand management, enhancing market awareness, and supporting sales and customer acquisition efforts. Green reports to LifeCare's CEO, Peter G. Burki.

Tennessee Health Care Costs Increase in 2008
Health insurance costs are rising across the country, and the health care industry is no exception. The 2008 Healthcare eSurvey – Tennessee results found the average premium increase was 10 percent for all plans. In contrast, the average premium increase found nationally for all industries was 11.1 percent.

Unum No. 1 in sales, enrollment for Group Long Term Care
Unum continues to lead industry in growing employer-sponsored group market

Hudson Highland Group Reports 2008 First Quarter Financial Results
Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HHGP), one of the world's leading providers of permanent recruitment, contract professionals and talent management solutions, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008.

A + B + C = Wow! Using Total Rewards to Your Strategic Advantage
No longer an unusual concept, total rewards is increasingly used at all types of organizations for attainment of Human Capital goals at all organizational levels. During this session, we’ll explore what total rewards is and programs that are part of total rewards. We’ll also examine how to use total rewards to your organization’s strategic advantage when competing for talent. You will come away with concrete action items for immediate use at the office and longer term food for thought.

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