Medical Benefits Main
Blue Shield of California Transforms Human Resources Operations with OracleComprehensive Solution Streamlines HR Functions, Cutting Cycle Times from Weeks to Seconds.
HRAdvance Launches eNewsletter Series;HRAdvance releases Dependent Eligibility Audit articles, ROI tools, and publishes findings and results.
Claims and Risk Management Service Provider Avizent Appoints Shirley CollinsworthClaims and Risk Management Service Provider Avizent Appoints Shirley Collinsworth to Lead Newly Created Transportation Liability Unit
Collinsworth, a 22-year veteran of the transportation claims industry, has an in-depth understanding of employers’ needs and a track record of program success
Aflac Partners with ScottsMiracle-Gro for NASCAR Races in 2010Scotts Makes Leap Back Into Sprint Cup with Sponsorship of Carl Edwards
Measure your cavity risk with Delta Dental's new online assessmentYour risk for cavities can be gauged in minutes, thanks to a new interactive quiz launched today by a group of Delta Dental companies.
HighRoads’ First Medical Travel Survey Shows Hospital Pricing Can Vary up to $40,00066 U.S. and International Hospitals Represented in Medical Travel Request for Information as they Work to Reduce Health Care Costs
Critical illness insurance important to financial safety netStrong critical illness insurance sales for Unum underscore important role the benefit plays in financial safety net
Webinar to Discuss Clinical, Legal and Financial Implications of Mental Health Parity Legislation The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which goes into effect on October 3, 2009, prohibits group health or self-insured plans covering more than 50 employees from imposing caps or limitations on mental health treatment or substance use benefits that are not also applied to medical and surgical benefits. On August 27, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.
Hire Disability Solutions™ Breaks Barriers to Bring Qualified Disabled Workers&Corporations TogetherJob Tools and Content Now More Easily Accessible to HireDS.com Visitors
My HSA Rewards Announces the Launch of My HSA Rewards WirelessEarn $50 in Cash rewards from all of the nation's leading wireless providers and have it directly deposited into your Health Savings Account
Congress Resumes Health Care Talks After Independence Day Break Congress members are expected to resume debates the Monday following the Fourth of July break. To keep citizens aware of the dilemmas and decisions to be made in regards to family health insurance rates, FamilyHealthInsurance.net is compiling the latest information.
NIA Says Health Care Will Cause U.S. Dollar CollapseThe National Inflation Association is issuing warnings about the American Health Care System. The group says health care cost are out of control and could be the straw that causes the U.S. dollar to collapse.
Many Americans Have Limited Knowledge of Generic Drugs A recent study by Prescription Solutions and UnitedHealth Group has found that nearly one-third of Americans don't know or believe that generic drugs have the same active ingredients and effectiveness as brand named drugs.
Aflac Again Honored as One of the 100 Best Places to Work in ITInsurer climbs five spots on Computerworld's annual listing of top companies for IT professionals
Small Businesses Find It More Difficult to Offer Strong Benefits Packages to EmployeesManaging the cost of employee health insurance has become one of the greatest challenges for today's small business owners, according to a recent Aflac survey. Aflac shares its results.
Enhanced BenefitsWhat are is your company doing to attract and retain top talent? Some companies are enhancing their Benefits packages. Is that the answer? Share your views in this HR.com survey.
Workscape Annual Benefits Study 2009 ResultsTo keep on top of trends in benefits, particularly in light of what has gone on in the economy, Workscape has conducted a survey of 787 HR professionals and CEOs representing a broad range of industries and company sizes.
Aflac Outdoor Games Return to Columbus for a Second Year Event to be held at South Commons Softball Complex June 19-21
Affiliated Delta Dental companies launch new web siteSimplified navigation and improved functionality enhance user experience
Social Security Disability Backlog Worsens, So Make Sure You Qualify Before You ApplyContact an SSDI representation company to learn if you could be eligible for benefits before you apply; average wait times for initial applications will jump by 20 percent this year
Aflac Duck Gets Some Help From Friends on the FarmNew Television Ad Explains Aflac as Insurance for Everyday Living
Zywave, Inc. and ReSource Pro Partner to Deliver Unmatched Data Processing CapabilitiesStrategic partnership extends insurance brokerage back office efficiencies and boosts bottom line.
Aflac Duck Gets Some Help From Friends on the FarmNew Television Ad Explains Aflac as Insurance for Everyday Living
Buyers Study 2008: The Trends Employers Are Facing and the Plans They're BuyingWhat are the trends employers are facing when it comes to benefits? Unum shares its study.
Aflac Announces Winners of Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence in Honor of Russ Catlin Aflac honored five journalists Thursday during the presentation of the Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence in honor of Russ Catlin, an annual tradition since 1985. The ceremony was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway as part of the Coca-Cola 600 race festivities.
Aflac Incorporated to Present at the Sanford Bernstein 25th Annual Strategic Decisions Conference Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) announced today that it will make a presentation at the Sanford Bernstein 25th Annual Strategic Decisions Conference. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos will represent Aflac Incorporated, and he is scheduled to make a presentation on May 27, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. EDT. During the Aflac Incorporated presentation, Mr. Amos will discuss the company's outlook for 2009 and its strategy for growth in the U.S. and Japanese insurance markets.
Aflac's Kriss Cloninger Named One of America's Best CFOs Kriss Cloninger was named one of America's Best CFOs in Institutional Investor's annual ranking of the top chief financial officers. The survey polls investment professionals at more than 350 of the most influential money management firms to select the nation's top CFOs.
Affiliated Delta Dental companies post enrollment gain of 1.2 million enrolleesFifteen-state area shows substantial growth in all its geographic regions
Employees in the Dark on DisabilityEconomic downturns are a time when people really want to get their arms around their financial health and security. But a recent CIGNA study unveils that most workers in America are misinformed when it comes to how – or even if – they are financially protected if faced with a disabling illness or injury.
Captive Insurance Study Shows Major Growth Potential for Employee Benefits Captives Recently a survey of captive insurance company owners and regulators was conducted to understand what best practice approaches were in use or contemplated for implementation over the next year. Karin Landry shares the results.
Health and Productivity in the Aging American WorkforceOlder workers have placed a unique demands and challenges on the workforce. Unum Life Insurance explains.
Nearly Forty Percent of Employers Plan to Trim Benefits and Office Perks This YearMany employers say they current economy will force them to make administrative cuts... and that could mean trimming benefits and office perks. CareerBuilder shares the study.
Jobless Should Evaluate COBRA, Medicare in Light of 2009 Recovery Act Allsup outlines COBRA and Medicare considerations; people with disabilities need to evaluate options for continuing healthcare coverage
New web site on dental as part of health care reformNew Delta Dental Web Site Educates Americans
on Dental as a Part of Health Care Reform
The impact of the ARRA COBRA Subsidy on Domestic Partner and Same-Sex Spouse BenefitsTRI-AD's COBRA department has been receiving questions on how the COBRA subsidy applies to qualified beneficiaries who have a domestic partner or same-sex spouse. We have written an article that addresses this in detail, including examples of what amount is subsidy-eligible and what is not. Read the article at https://www.tri-ad.com/clients/dp_cobra_sub.aspx
Unum Maintains Market Leadership in Group Long Term CareUnum (NYSE:UNM) maintained its market leadership in cases and employees covered by its group long term care product in 2008, noting gains among existing customers who either expanded coverage to more employees or increased the benefit amount. The industry as a whole saw benefit increases to existing plans more than double in 2008, according to annual sales research from LIMRA.
The Hartford Updates Disability Claims Services, Helping Workers Get Back To Work Faster, EasierNurses, medical case managers, return-to-work coordinators support injured and ill employees throughout their claim, speeding return to productivity
"Consistent Performing" Employers Find Five Keys to Health Cost ControlCompanies Remain Confident in Future of Health Benefits, National Business Group on Health/Watson Wyatt Survey Finds
Research Reveals Two-Thirds of Advanced Radiology Services in Workers’ Compensation are Overpaid Research Reveals Two-Thirds of Advanced Radiology Services in Workers’ Compensation are Overpaid by 30-40%
The Hartford to Hold Group Disability Training in Atlanta, Newport Beach, Princeton, ChicagoThe Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) will hold its Vault program, an in-depth three-and-one-half day continuing education program on group disability insurance, in four strategic cities throughout the country in 2009.
As COBRA Costs Continue to Climb, Families Find Cheaper Health Insurance AlternativesAs COBRA costs continue to climb throughout the Florida and the US, many families are being forced to seek less expensive heath insurance alternatives to COBRA. Insurance companies are beginning to answer this demand by providing more health insurance plans that appeal directly to individuals on COBRA.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Selects Prescription Solutions Sixth consecutive endorsement highlights Taft-Hartley trusts’ interest in offering high quality,
low-cost pharmacy benefits to its union members
Recession, Job Losses Hit Those with Disabilities Hard, Reports Allsup Weak economy, massive job cuts and poor health leave people with disabilities struggling; knowing when and why to apply for Social Security disability is essential to their financial future.
Local Arizona Healthcare Companies Join Forces to Create a Unique Prescription Benefit Program for Arrowhead Health and United Drugs work together to help educate employees that it is more than just a co-pay
ACS to Provide HSA Product to Regence; ACS HSA Solution Now Offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (NYSE:ACS) today announced that it will provide Regence with Health Savings Account (HSA) administration services for its members in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and select counties of Washington. Regence members will be offered the ACS HSA Solution through its U.S. Bank custodian option.
Millions of Employers at Risk - Section 125 Cafeteria PlansThe IRS made sweeping changes to IRS Section 125 Cafeteria Plan regulations on August 6, 2007 set to take effect January 1, 2009. Employers utilizing Section 125 Premium Only Plans, Health Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance Plans have to update their Plan Documents or face potential penalties and the possibility of having their Plan disallowed back to the date of infraction. Core Documents at www.CoreDocuments.com has an affordable solution.
MassMutual Appoints New Vice President of Sales for Health and Executive BenefitsMassachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced that it has appointed James (Jim) Jacobsen vice president, sales, health and executive benefits in the company’s U.S. Insurance Group.
Equal Mental Health and Substance Use Benefits RealizedAlong with the recent financial rescue legislation signed into law by the President on October 8, 2008, a provision was included requiring group health plans - whether insured or self-insured - that provide mental health and substance use disorders benefits, to provide such benefits in equal measure with the plan’s medical and surgical benefits. With an effective date for most calendar year plans of January 1, 2010, employers must carefully examine these new requirements and their group health benefit programs to determine how to meet this new employee benefits challenge. Littler Mendelson shares more.
Allsup Applauds SSA for Move Toward Electronic Transmission of Medical Records for Disability ApplicAllsup, a leading nationwide provider of financial and healthcare related services to people with disabilities, today commended the Social Security Administration for announcing it will begin receiving medical records for some disability applicants electronically next year.
Obama's Health Plan Could Provide Coverage for Majority of Uninsured Americans Obama's Health Plan Could Provide Coverage for Majority of Uninsured Americans
InsuranceBureau.com, independent consumer resource for insurance information, reports that of the 47 million Americans uninsured, possibly 30 million or more could be covered under the tenets of Barack Obama's health insurance proposal.
States Want Federal Stimulus for Medicaid and SCHIP Programs, InsuranceQuotesUS.com ReportsInsuranceQuotesUS.com, an independent consumer resource for insurance information, reports that state run health insurance initiatives such as the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Medicaid may be struggling to keep afloat with the influx of newly enrolled beneficiaries.
AHIP Proposes More Affordable Health Insurance Plans for Small BusinessesAmerica's Health Insurance Plans, an insurance trade organization, proposed in its new health care reform guidelines that small businesses receive government assistance in order to keep health insurance coverage affordable. Most small business owners often don't have the resources to pay for extensive insurance coverage and renewal premiums. AHIP's suggestion is that the government provide financial assistance to subsidize or help cover some of these costs.
PRESCRIPTION SOLUTIONS TO PROVIDE E-PRESCRIBING SERVICES THROUGH SURESCRIPTS-RXHUB E-Prescribing Will Allow for Reduced Prescription Errors and Increased Safety for Consumers
2insure4less.com Helps Consumers Find Affordable Alternative to COBRA for UnemployedWith the current unemployment rate hovering around 6 percent and expecting to rise to 7 percent by May of 2009, workers with serious health problems or families are faced with a health insurance conundrum.
HSA Resources Releases Employer Guide to HSAsHSA Resources, a leading provider of Health Savings Accounts, announces the release of its HSA Employer Guide: An Introduction to Health Savings Accounts for Employers. The twenty-four page guide provides employers with in-depth yet easy to read explanations of the top HSA questions employers face.
DOL Publishes Long Awaited FMLA Regulations The Federal Department of Labor (DOL) has issued its final regulations under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Paul, Plevin, Sullivan and Connaught LLP share more.
Chubb Appoints Korean-American Agency to Sell Personal Insurance ProductsThe Chubb Group of Insurance Companies has granted a personal insurance agency appointment to Solomon Agency Corp. to help serve the Korean-American community in the New York metropolitan region.
The 3 Biggest Obstacles to Successful Implementation of Consumer Directed Health PlansStudy of the 3 biggest obstacles employers face in implementing a consumer directed health care plan. This study covers important areas that must be addressed including employee acceptance, administration issues employers may encounter and the importance of providing ongoing employee education.
Employers “Vote” on Presidential Candidates’ Health Care PlatformsThe majority of U.S.-based employers want to continue to provide health care coverage, yet oppose a government mandate to do so, a survey released today indicates. Employers prefer a middle ground between the presidential candidates’ health care proposals.
Insurance Industry 2009 Merit Budget Targets Anticipated to Drop Significantly from 2008A new report by Corporate Compensation Strategies across 31 of the largest Life Insurance companies indicates respondents are forecasting significant 2009 merit budget reductions, as compared to forecasts just three months ago in July.
Beware of Ten Mistakes after Social Security Denies Disability Benefits People applying for SSDI should not give up and start over after they've been denied disability benefits; Allsup explains the most common missteps following SSDI denial
Prescription Solutions Achieves Two New National URAC Accreditations Becomes One of the First PBMs to Receive Dual Accreditations in
Mail Service and Specialty Pharmacy
MetLife and “The Office” Star Join Forces to Discuss Employee BenefitsEach day, thousands of commuters stream through Chicago’s Union Station on their way to work.
President Bush Signs 2008 ADA Amendments Act Broadening Coverage of Americans With Disabilities ActEmployers will find significant obligation changes with the new amendments to the ADA Act in the United States. Neal D. Mollen and Patrick M. Sherman share the details.
ARMA International Announces New York Life as the Winner of the 2008 Cobalt AwardThe winner of the ARMA International Cobalt Award was announced today at ARMA International's 53rd Annual Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, NV. New York Life Insurance Company is the first recipient of this prestigious industry award, created to recognize the shift - and its resulting advantages - when an organization becomes focused on proper records and information management at a foundational, organizational level.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Issues Report on What Employers Want From Health Insurers Small Employers Less Satisfied than Large Employers
The Future of Health Benefits: Top Three Messages for Different StakeholdersThis is the perfect time for HR professionals to emerge as health benefits educators despite the desire for human resource professionals to put the lid on benefit costs. Samuel Fleet explains.
Donations, education, and people-power mark MassMutual Breast Cancer Month effortsWith a combination of charitable contributions, innovative education and personal involvement that has become its hallmark, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its agents nationwide are once again rallying to the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
California Employers No Longer Holding Their BreathCalifornia Supreme Court holds that employers no longer face the Hobson’s choice of hiring an applicant who is using “medical marijuana” or refusing to hire that applicant and risking an expensive lawsuit. Littler Mendelson shares more.
ALL Care Dental Plan Announces Expansion to New Key States Thousands of dental patients will now be able to cut their dental bill in half with the ALL Care Card
Former Head of US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Launches Affordable Healthcare Former Head of US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Launches Affordable Healthcare for the 75 Million Uninsured and Underinsured
Jose Nino, Co-Founder of Care Alternative North America, leads the way to low-cost healthcare for everyone.
Florida Salary and Benefits Survey: Merit Raises and Turnover Lower Than National AverageEffective Resources, Inc. releases study data representing more than 1.5 million employees and 245 Florida employers
Atlanta Perinatal Associates HR Department 'Delivers' with CheckPoint HRMaternal-Fetal Medicine Provider Selects CheckPoint HR's Web-based Platform to Automate HR Processes and Improve Employee Healthcare Benefits
Prescription Solutions Receives TIPPSSM Certification For Pharmacy Benefits Transparency StandardsMeeting PBM transparency standards opens new markets for Prescription Solutions
Enwisen uses Web 2.0 to Enhance New Version of its Medical Cost EstimatorInnovative Decision Support Tool Leverages Web 2.0 to Help Employees
Determine Best Healthcare Options
Vertrue Incorporated Gives Tips on Taking Advantage of Flexible SpendingVertrue Says, Keep Finances Limber With Flexible Spending Accounts
Take FMLA Medical Certifications SeriouslyThere is a lot of abuse of FMLA leave and employers should be weary about employee requests. Don Phin explains more.
The Supreme Court Considers Conflicts of Interest in Benefit Claims ProceduresWhere an insurance company both determines an appeal for ERISA benefits and also pays that claim, a conflict of interest is present. The U.S. Supreme Court in Metropolitan Life v. Glenn, holds that where the language of a plan grants the administrator discretionary review of claims, this conflict will be taken into account as a “factor” to be weighed in determining whether judicial deference should be given to the administrator’s decision. Littler Mendelson shares this study.
New Notice Requirements in New York for Blood Donation Leave and for Nursing MothersThere are new requirements for Nursing mothers and those donating blood in New York. Littler Mendelson shares this report.
People with Disabilities Seek Ways to Manage Higher Healthcare CostsAllsup explains some of the options available to people with disabilities when facing increasing healthcare costs, including added benefits of Social Security Disability Insurance.
BeneTrac and Sterling HSA Announce Online Enrollment, Access to Health Savings Account Benefits Employees can enroll in Sterling HSA plans online, make changes, add new beneficiaries; providing new value-added offerings to support brokers and saving paperwork and time for corporations and HR
AvMed, Delta Dental team up to provide coverage to Florida businessesAvMed Health Plans and Delta Dental Insurance announce partnership
to provide coverage to Florida businesses
IRS Releases 2009 Health Savings Account LimitsThe Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released Revenue Procedure 2008-29, establishing the 2009 annual Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limitations, Littler Mendelson explains more.
Past Earnings Play Role in Determining SSDI BenefitsApplicants for Social Security Disability Insurance Should Know Their Income History; Allsup Answers Common Benefits Questions
Small Businesses Have Strategic Opportunities to Improve Offense in Competition for Employee TalentSurvey shows that action is needed to retain employees and to compete with larger employers for qualified candidates.
Missouri Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008Although 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.
Minnesota and Wisconsin Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008Although 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.
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.
Illinois Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008Although most Illinois organizations saw an increase in their health insurance premium, the average premium increase is decreasing, according to the Compensation Data 2008
MassMutual Promotes Bob Casale to Senior Vice PresidentMassachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today that Bob Casale, deputy chief information officer, has been promoted to senior vice president.
Prescription Solutions Earns Top Honors in 2008 WilsonRx Pharmacy Satisfaction SurveysMassMutual Announces Web Site Enhancement That Helps Employees Save for Retirement SoonerParticipants can now enroll automatically through ExpressEnroll(SM), MassMutual's new online tool
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
Michigan Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008Although 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 2008Although 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.
Michigan Health Care Costs Increase at Slower Rate in 2008Although 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 2008Although 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.
MassMutual Completes Acquisition of First Mercantile Trust CompanyMassachusetts 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).
ING Debuts Video on Web Highlighting Commitment to EnvironmentWhat: 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?