Health plans - info for employees (BenefitsLink.com)Headlines re Health plans - info for employees, gathered by BenefitsLink.comHighlights of Results from the 'Employee Benefits Survey: U.S. and Canada 2007'- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Based on member requests and need, the International Foundation has developed a broad employee benefits survey to benchmark the benefits offerings and design of four distinct employment sectors throughout the United States and Canada." (International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans)http://www.ifebp.org/Resources/Research/sssebsusca2007.htm Campaign 2008: Facts on Benefits Issues- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Health and retirement issues are being raised as the 2008 election campaign heats up. To help provide a factual basis of reference for reporters and others involved in these campaign issues, EBRI is providing . . . questions and answers about major employee health and retirement benefits. Hotlinks to relevant tables and charts of data are provided at the end of each answer." (Employee Benefit Research Institute)http://www.ebri.org/campaign/ Economic Pinch from Employer Benefits Cost-Shifting Hurting Next Generation- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Americans say they are worried that the financial burden from cost shifting of employer-sponsored benefits will make it harder for their children to lead a comfortable life, a new survey found. A news release about MetLife's second Study of the American Dream report said about two-thirds of Americans report feeling an economic pinch from being asked to pick up more of the health coverage tab." (PLANSPONSOR.com; free registration required)http://www.plansponsor.com/pi_type10/?RECORD_ID=40300 Baby Boomers Find Bridge from Early Retirement to Medicare- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "There may be hope on the horizon. Lured by the baby boomer generation's size and affluence, a number of insurers have begun to market policies specifically geared to the 50-to-64 age group. Some of the nation's largest health insurers -- Aetna, Humana and WellPoint -- are introducing more comprehensive products designed for people who were used to benefit-rich plans in their jobs." (Dallas Morning News)http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/personalfinance/stories/021208dnbusuninsur... Sure, It's from AARP. But Is It a Good Deal- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Andrew Tignanelli, president of Financial Consulate, a Lutherville (Md.) financial-planning firm, figured the retirement products AARP offered were sure to be winners. But after comparing the nonprofit's new mutual funds and annuity, plus older life insurance offerings, with those of rivals, Tignanelli reached a surprising conclusion: 'The majority of people can get a better deal elsewhere.'" (Business Week)http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_08/b4072075387496.htm?chan=rss_topStories_... How Savvy Are Employees (and Employers) About Their Health Benefits (PDF)- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Pages 5-8 of 12 pages. (Milliman)http://www.milliman.com/expertise/employee-benefits/publications/bp/pdfs/BP02-21-08.pdf Employers Increasing Internal Communications to Engage Workers in Benefits Plans - Better Targeting of Messages Is Necessary As Well- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "One size does not fit all when it comes to communicating with your employees about their benefits. Maybe a memo describing Plan A versus Plan B was once all that workers needed. But that was in the days before wellness plans and before baby boomers were more interested in retirement planning than vacation time." (Human Resource Executive Online)http://www.hreonline.com/HRE/story.jsp?storyId=75695904 Retirement Benefits Rare Among Small Businesses in California- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Retirement benefits and 401(k) plans are scarce among small business owners surveyed. Only 17% offer 401(k) plans and 12% offer retirement benefits." (PLANSPONSOR.com; free registration required)http://www.plansponsor.com/pi_type10/?RECORD_ID=40553 Patient Opinions to Be Added to Hospital Comparison Web Site- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Beginning later this month, the federal government's Hospital Compare Web site will expand to include patient opinions based on satisfaction surveys conducted at nearly all hospitals, the San Antonio Express-News reports." (California HealthCare Foundation; free registration may be required)http://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/2008/3/6/Patient-Opinions-To-Be-Added-to-Hospital-Comp... Mid-Size Employer Turns to 'Hybrid' CDHP Model- (Found June 19, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Sperian Protection, an equipment manufacturer, lowered its health care costs over the past years with some innovative tinkering with consumer-driven health care options and through a catchy communications program." (Employee Benefit News; free registration required)http://ebn.benefitnews.com/asset/article/536631/staying-current/mid-size-employer-turns-hy... |